Lock Haven’s Public Health Club held a training session for administering the drug Narcan to potential opioid overdose victims. The session was hosted by two guest speakers, Barb Vanaskie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Medication Assisted Therapy Coordinator and Michelle Huey, a Certified Recovery Specialist. Both speakers work for the West Branch Drug & Alcohol Abuse Commission (DAAC).
According to their pamphlet handed out at the session, the West Branch DAAC “provides bi-county leadership in the implementation and ongoing development of policies and programs toward a recovery oriented system of care for substance abuse users.” It offers a variety of services including:
Wellness and health fairs
Worksite Technical Assistance for alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
Visual resources for prevention and intervention
The West Branch DAAC has a location in Clinton County at 124 ½ East Main St. in Lock Haven, PA. It is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and can be reached by phone at (570) 367-8670.
Huey opened up the event by speaking about her experience with addiction and the importance of knowing what Narcan can do to help someone. She recounted a conversation where someone, not knowing her experiences, stated that “Those people left to die.” Huey made sure to state that “[Narcan] gives people second chances.”
Narcan is a brand of the drug “naloxone” in the form of a nasal spray. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, naloxone is a type of medicine that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by restoring normal breathing to the victim. “Even if you don’t know someone has used an opiate, you definitely want to get them Narcan,” said Vanaskie. She stated that this is because Narcan does not have any effect on someone who has no opioids in their system.
Vanaskie also stated that “Most people require both doses, if not more,” and that “Someone can seem like they’re coming out of an overdose, then fall right back in.” She recommends CPR if administering Narcan to the individual does not work. The information session ended with attendees being given free two-pack boxes of Narcan, and a document containing detailed instructions on what to do if you think someone has overdosed.
When asked why the Public Health Club decided to put on this event, Maci Blair, senior Health Science Pre-Physician’s Assistant major and club Vice President, stated that due to the recent increases in fentanyl overdoses, she wanted “students to be aware of the available resources.”
Pollyana Canete, senior Health Science Pre-Physician’s Assistant major and club President, stated that the Public Health Club is planning a few other events, such as a children’s fair to educate the kids on different topics. The club also holds destressing events and promotes safe sex around campus. For more information on the Public Health Club, readers can contact ptc4146@lockhaven.edu.
