International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31st

International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31st

Narcan Training Helps Citizens Save Lives

Poughkeepsie…. International Overdose Awareness Day, marked annually on August 31, remembers those lost to overdose and aims to reduce the stigma of addiction, while creating change to reduce the number of overdose-related deaths. As part of the continuing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and help people on a path to recovery, Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health will participate in the annual Matthew Herring Foundation’s Annual Overdose Awareness Walk at the Walkway Over the Hudson on Saturday, August 31st and reminds citizens that Narcan training is available at any time at the County’s Stabilization or at monthly training sessions.

“Substance use and overdose affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their upbringing, where they live, or what they do for a living,” said A. K. Vaidian, MD, MPH, Commissioner of the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health. “In Dutchess County, we are working hard to fight against this public health crisis, and every one of us can help by learning how to administer Narcan. We urge members of our community to take advantage of this easy-to-learn, life-saving training.”

The Department offers free Narcan training on the 4th Wednesday of each month at the Department’s Training Room located at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie from 4:30-5: 30 pm. The next training is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28th. Trainings are free and open to the public, registration is not required, and each attendee receives a free Narcan kit. Additionally, at the same location, the Department offers free Narcan Training at the Stabilization Center 24 hours a day on a walk-in.  For more information and additional trainings, visit DutchessNY.gov/Narcan.

The public is invited and encouraged to join the Department at the Annual Overdose Awareness Walk sponsored by the Matt Herring Foundation. The event begins on the Highland side of the Walkway Over the Hudson at 9AM, and is designed to increase awareness and reduce the stigma of addiction, to remember those whose lives were lost to overdose, and support those who are struggling with addiction. Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and Commissioner Vaidian, will be among the speakers. DBCH Narcan trainers will also be available on-site to provide free Narcan training and kits to anyone who is interested.

To learn more about opioid overdose prevention, or to inquire further about Narcan training opportunities in Dutchess County, please contact (845) 485-9700 or HealthInfo@dutchessny.gov

Author: Harlem Valley News