Megan Bailey and Sandy Beck, the self-proclaimed Narcan Queens of Logan County, regularly offer training in the use of Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray, including a quick, in-office course Wednesday morning, March 30.
The spray is often used to save the life of someone after an opioid overdose, which stops the respiratory system. Simple and safe, this saline solution with some medication reverses these affects, helping the person breathe. But, both women emphasized, it should never be used as a substitute for emergency medical care.
Though Wednesday’s program took place at the Logan County Health District office, where the presenters work, they find it more efficient to take their training to area businesses and organizations, which have included the Rotary Club, Our Daily Bread and Green Hills Community, as well as bars, restaurants, gyms and even working with the safety and medical staff at local churches.
In fact, any interested company is welcome to contact the LCHD for this free lesson.
“It’s more successful when we go to them,” Beck, the LCHD outreach specialist, said. “They can come here, but going where the people are is always better.”
And it works. In 2017, Logan County ranked 41 out of 88 Ohio counties in opioid overdose deaths. Since then, that number has dropped to 87. The presenters said they know of 42 successful reversals in 2021, though it’s probably more, considering many aren’t reported.
Narcan works safely on everyone, young and old, without side effects unless the patient is already opioid-dependent. Opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone and morphine.
Providing someone with a Narcan dose shouldn’t harm the individual, even if they didn’t overdose on opioids. And doing so also falls under the Good Samaritan Law.
“If you, acting in good faith, give someone Narcan and then call 9-1-1, and that person doesn’t survive or has issues,” Bailey, LCHD health educator, said, “you won’t be held responsible.” But, she pointed out, calling for emergency medical assistance must be a part of the equation.
To learn more about Narcan training from the Logan County Health District, visit their website at loganhealth.org or call (937) 592-9040. Their office is located at 310 S. Main Street, Bellefontaine.