Perth County ̶ The Perth District Health Unit is expanding its harm reduction services. Beginning in September 2016, the Health Unit will be offering overdose prevention training and Naloxone training to Perth County residents.
Death from opioid overdose is a leading cause of accidental death in Ontario. The rate has doubled in the last 10 years. Opioids are drugs that are derived directly from the poppy plant, including morphine, codeine, fentanyl, opium, oxycodone, methadone and heroin.
An opioid overdose can cause a person’s breathing to slow down or stop. Naloxone is an injectable medication that can restore a person’s breathing and may allow them to regain consciousness.
Clients are eligible to receive a Naloxone kit if they are a current opioid user or have a history of opioid use. Naloxone is considered very safe. It does not cause dependency, and there is no risk of misuse.
Overdose prevention training and Naloxone training involves:
Level 1: Prevention, recognition and response education for current opioid users and individuals with a history of opioid use and their friends and family.
Level 2: Naloxone training and dispensing for current opioid users and individuals with a history of opioid use. Individuals who complete level 1 and 2 will receive a kit with two doses of Naloxone and supplies for administration.
Evidence has shown that opioid prevention programs delivered through community Naloxone distribution have found no increase in legal or illegal use of opioids.
No referral is needed. To access overdose prevention training and Naloxone training, please call the PDHU Sexual Health Clinic at 519-271-7600 ext 779, toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 779, or text to 519-635-2504.
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