Whatcom County will recognize International Overdose Awareness Day with an event on Wednesday, Aug. 30, noon to 6pm on the Lee Memorial Park lawn behind the Bellingham Public Library (210 Central Avenue).
Staff from Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be on hand to answer questions and provide information, guidance and training on administering Naloxone (aka Narcan). Attendees ages 18 and over may request a free nasal Narcan kit along with education on Narcan administration while supplies last.
The theme for this year’s events is ‘recognizing those people who go unseen.
“With this year’s theme we honor and support those people whose lives have been lost or forever changed by overdose,” said Dr. Greg Thompson, Whatcom County Health and Community Services Co-Health Officer. “These are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one, workers in healthcare extending training and compassion, and spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver with Naloxone.”
This come-and-go style event is intended as an opportunity for casual conversations with experts.
“We believe knowledge is a powerful tool as we work to combat the fentanyl crisis in our community,” said Steven Cohen, EMS Training Specialist. “Trainings like this are a great opportunity for people to learn about opioids, such as fentanyl, and lifesaving drugs like Naloxone with friendly staff who are here to help.”
This upcoming event will let you find out more about:
How to identify an overdose.
How to respond to an overdose.
How to use nasal naloxone.
How to safely store naloxone.
Good Samaritan laws, and any other questions.
Learn more and get local data at www.whatcomoverdoseprevention.org