- November 23, 2024
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The first of two Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services and AdventHealth Palm Coast are co-sponsoring two free Narcan distribution and education events entitled Increase a Lifespan with Narcan. The two events will be on Friday, April 29, and Friday, May 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Advent Hospital Emergency Room parking lot, 60 Memorial Parkway, in Palm Coast. People can drive through or walk up to receive free Narcan and Narcan educational information. This event is open to the general public.
Flagler OARS is a naloxone provider through a generous grant from the Florida Department of Children and Families Overdose Prevention Program.
The DCF Overdose Prevention Program is designed to reduce opioid overdose deaths by providing access to FDA-approved emergency opioid antagonists to organizations that serve individuals at risk of witnessing or experiencing an opioid overdose. Narcan Nasal Spray is the emergency opioid antagonist DCF currently purchases and makes available to eligible organizations.
“We were surprised to see a large number of older residents at our last Narcan event,” stated Pam Birtolo, executive director of Flagler OARS. “Many wanted the security of having Narcan on hand because some are on multiple medications and fear a potential reaction.”
“If there are prescription opioids in your home, Narcan Nasal Spray should be there, too,” cautioned Deborah McNabb, Advent Director of Community Benefit.
Narcan Nasal Spray is used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid medicines. The medicine in Narcan has no effect in people who are not taking opioid medicines. Always carry Narcan with you in case of an opioid overdose.
Use Narcan right away if you or your caregiver think signs or symptoms of an opioid overdose are present, even if you are not sure, because an opioid overdose can cause severe injury or death.
Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose may include:
Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of Narcan. Rescue breathing or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) may be given while waiting for emergency medical help.
The signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose can return after Narca Nasal Spray is given. If this happens, give another dose after 2 to 3 minutes using a new Narcan Nasal Spray device and watch the person closely until emergency help is received.
Flagler OARS can be reached at https://flagleroars.org/, or 386-233-3444. Save the date for Flagler OARS Casino Night fundraiser on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at the VFW building, 47 Old Kings Rd, Palm Coast.
