LHEAT Organizations Collaborate with Training to Save Lives!
In a recent three-week period, Emergency Departments reported ten poisonings among Montgomery County residents, nearly double the usual rate. Heartbreakingly, several of these cases involved youth just 10 to 17 years old attempting suicide. Poisoning—most often from drug overdose—has now become the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, surpassing car accidents and shootings.
To help our community be prepared, LHEAT organizations partnered with regional DCCCA training resources to bring drug abuse awareness and Narcan/Naloxone instruction at the Caney Rec Center. More than thirty participants from across the county attended, gaining lifesaving knowledge and tools. The training was arranged by LHEAT members, with Live Healthy Montgomery County leading coordination assisted by Caney Valley Agape Network and Montgomery County Intensive Supervision Program in providing publicity and logistical support.
Narcan is recommended for anyone who may encounter opioids—whether intentionally prescribed or unintentionally present. In our communities, that includes homes with prescription opiates where children or pets may be at risk, teens facing depression or bullying, and families caring for elderly loved ones who could accidentally overdose. Narcan may be essential for those who interact with individuals struggling with substance use. It also includes people who may inadvertently come into contact with drugs while handling mailed packages, cleaning areas where substances may be present, or working in public-facing roles.
The expert training covered how to recognize situations where an overdose may be occurring and offered clear, simple instructions for administering nasal-spray treatment that can restore breathing. Participants received free Naloxone/Narcan kits, fentanyl test strips, and drug-disposal resources to take home.
The Facebook page for Caney Valley Agape Network (CVAN) is now sharing a series of “SAVE A LIFE” posts highlighting key points from the training so community members can easily share this information. CVAN in Caney is also one of the local sites where residents can pick up free Naloxone Narcan kits.
To reach even more people, DCCCA’s expert trainer Shayla Littau will offer a web-based version of her training on September 14 from 10 to 11 AM. Those wishing to participate can find the registration flyer posted on CVAN’s Facebook page.
