Three events in Talbot County this month and next offer trainings and free doses of Naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
The community trainings are part of the recently launched ‘Talbot’s Got Heart’ campaign from the Talbot County Health Department Prevention Office. The next events are set for Nov. 27 at Oxford Volunteer Fire Department; Nov. 29 at Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Company and Dec. 14 at the Talbot County Free Library, St. Michaels Branch.
Each event includes a screening of the powerful film ‘Written Off,’ which is a powerful documentary that details the life of Matt Edwards, who lost his battle with heroin dependency. The film runs 117 minutes, with training immediately following. Each household trained gets a free overdose response kit that includes a box of Naloxone, which is commonly sold under the brand name Narcan.
“Maryland is on pace for more than 2,000 opioid overdose deaths this year – we’re doing everything we can to slow down those numbers,” said Alexandra Duff, prevention specialist with the health department.
Since June, Duff and her team have trained more than 500 people – 75 of those were in the first month of the campaign.
“Narcan isn’t just for people who have a drug use disorder,” said Duff.“We’re seeing senior citizens overdose after accidentally taking more painkillers than they intended. We’re also hearing about Narcan saving pets that accidentally ingest medications.”
Anyone can get trained and carry the medicine, which is now available in Maryland without a prescription.
The events are free and registration is requested and available at www.TalbotsGotHeart.org.
‘Talbot’s Got Heart’ is in partnership with Mariah’s Mission Fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation and the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, and in coordination with Maryland Heroin Awareness Advocates, Talbot Chapter.
In addition to the community trainings, a ‘Lunch and Learn’ training is scheduled for Nov. 30 at the chamber. Registration is available online at www.talbotchamber.org or by calling the chamber at 410-822-4653.
Training certificates are good for two years. Renewal certificates do require a refresher course.
The Talbot County Health Department Prevention Office helps community groups, agencies and individuals in providing programs and activities to prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse, and to build a healthier community. Resources include parenting skills, video and resource loan library, awareness campaigns and educational workshops.
Established in 2014, Mariah’s Mission Fun of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation is a non-profit that provides support groups and resources to empower families and individuals struggling with the effects of substance use disorder. Valerie Albee founded the fund in honor of her daughter, Mariah, who lost her life to heroin.
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