Pubdate: Fri, 08 Aug 2014
Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (NY)
Copyright: 2014 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.democratandchronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/614
Author: Denise Nickerson

NY TO PROVIDE TRAINING ON HEROIN OVERDOSES

ALBANY -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday free training sessions, 
including one in Rochester, will be available at the state's 12 
substance-abuse offices on prevention of opioid overdose.

The training sessions are part of state's efforts to fight an 
increase in opioid and heroin addiction. Last year, there were 89,269 
cases of heroin and prescription opioid treatment admissions in New 
York, a 40 percent increase since 2004. The impact has been mainly 
among young people aged 18 to 24.

Sessions are scheduled through the fall and into the winter. The 
sites include those in Rockland, Seneca and Orange counties, as well 
as in the cities of Rochester and Buffalo.

In June, Cuomo and the Legislature agreed to a package of laws to 
fight the growing heroin use, such as adding new treatment programs 
and boosting punishment for heroin sales.

Cuomo has ordered State Police to add 100 investigators to combat 
heroin sales and use, and the state is planning a public awareness 
campaign. Cuomo said that naloxone, the overdose antidote, will be 
made available to all first responder units in the state.

The state training program will allow those who are interested to 
learn about the signs of an overdose, what to do in the event of an 
overdose, how to provide proper rescue breathing during an overdose 
and how to administer naloxon.

"Overcoming heroin and opioid abuse requires the community to come 
together and be ready on every level, and naloxone is an important 
tool in this fight," Cuomo said in a statement. "Proper training will 
ensure safe and effective administration of the drug by families, 
community members and first responders on the front lines. I 
encourage everyone who can to sign up so that lives -- many of them, 
young -- may be spared."

Upon successful completion of training, participants will obtain a 
certification to administer naloxone and will receive a complimentary 
naloxone rescue kit, according to the state.

To find out about the local sessions, visit the state's Office of 
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services website.

http://www.oasas.ny.gov/atc/ATCherointraining.cfm
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom