SCC Libraries Host Overdose Prevention Workshops

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Santa Clara County's Behavioral Health Services Department has partnered with the library district to host a series of workshops this summer designed to educate residents about the opioid crisis and teach them how to recognize and reverse an overdose.

Last month, the Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office found the number of overdose deaths involving the power synthetic opioid fentanyl doubled in Santa Clara County between April and May. Earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors approved a plan to stock Narcan, an overdose reveal nasal spray, at county libraries.

"Members of our staff have volunteered to learn how to safely administer Narcan in case of an emergency, and our libraries have a limited stock on-hand should the need arise," said Jennifer Weeks, the county librarian. "There is a great urgency to make this lifesaving medicine and public education available, and we are here to help."

The Santa Clara County Library District kicked off its first Opioid Over Dose Prevention workshops over the weekend and has more scheduled through September at branches in Cupertino, Los Altos, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Campbell and Saratoga.

The training sessions will help attendees recognize the signs of an overdose and properly administer Narcan, with free kits provided to each participant upon completion. Space is limited and registration is required.

Here are the upcoming workshops:

• Milpitas Library: Saturday, July 8 at 2 p.m.
• Cupertino Library: Wednesday, July 12 at 1 p.m.
• Los Altos Library: Saturday, August 5 at 1:30 p.m.
• Morgan Hill Library: Tuesday, August 8 at 6 p.m.
• Gilroy Library: Wednesday, August 16 at 7 p.m.
• Campbell Express Library: Thursday, August 17 at 7 p.m.
• Saratoga Library: Saturday, September 9 at 1 p.m.