Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is marking one year of the Lifesaver Program.
Since the overdose prevention program of Naloxone kits was launched last year, 88 Lifesaver kits have been distributed to service users, family members and friends, and 19 kits have been refilled.
The Lifesaver program is offered to individuals currently taking opioids, or those who have taken opioids in the past. Naloxone is an effective antidote for opioid overdoses, and works by temporarily reversing the effects of opioids in the brain and restoring normal breathing in the unconscious person.
Public health medical resident Dr. Piotr Oglaza says it’s important people also receive some training.
He says that illicit opioids continue to pose a significant risk to the community and the Lifesaver program is important.
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Over the last year, the health unit has provided more than 600 hours of education on overdose prevention to local community partners.
Oglaza says participants are provided with a Lifesaver kit that contains all the supplies necessary to administer Naloxone in the event of an overdose. A key component of the program involves ensuring that participants understand the importance of calling 911 as soon as they suspect an opioid overdose, to initiate emergency response and support.
