Health & Fitness
Westport Offers Free Overdose And Narcan™ Education Program
"Accidental overdoses now kill 2.5 times more people in the US than car crashes."
Information from the Town of Westport and the Westport Prevention Coalition:
WESTPORT, CT — On behalf of the Westport Prevention Coalition (WPC), Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker announces two free opportunities for families to gain life-saving information about avoiding or responding to an overdose.
“Accidental overdoses now kill 2.5 times more people in the US than car crashes," says Tooker. "I encourage college students, families, and public-facing businesses to educate themselves and be prepared to respond.”
Find out what's happening in Westportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
On April 10th from 7 pm - 8 pm at Toquet Hall, Margaret Watt, WPC co-chair and Prevention Director at Positive Directions, will provide information about the evolution of the overdose crisis, how to recognize an opioid overdose, and how to use Narcan(™) to potentially save a life. The training is open to the public, and 30 Narcan kits will be available to participants over 18. Please pre-register at positivedirections.org/events
Additionally, from April through June, WPC is making the 35-minute documentary "If They Had Known" available for streaming. The film was made by the college friends and family of Clay Soper, a college student who died after mixing alcohol and Xanax. It brings light to the dangers of combining alcohol with commonly prescribed drugs such as antidepressants or ADHD meds. Clay's friends talk honestly about the impact on them and what they would have done differently. To receive the streaming link via email, please sign up at positivedirections.org/events
Find out what's happening in Westportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
These events are offered in conjunction with Staples High School's annual "Invest in Yourself Day," which prepares seniors for life after high school and recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month.
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The Westport Prevention Coalition works to prevent substance misuse in Westport through educational programs, environmental efforts, and advocacy. We encourage interested community members and organizations to join us! Meetings are held online on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 3 pm. Visit www.westporttogether.org/prevention-coalition for more information.
