Free Opioid Training, Narcan Kits Being Offered In North Hempstead

NORTH HEMPSTEAD, NY — As the country continues to grapple with the opioid crisis, Town of North Hempstead officials will be offering opioid overdose response training and supplies to residents on Tuesday, July 12.

The Town will be partnering with North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center to hold the free training, scheduled to take place at the "Yes We Can" Community Center in Westbury. Participants will learn how to administer Narcan, an opioid overdose-reversing nasal spray, and receive a free life-saving kit. Also at the event, participants will learn how to recognize and respond to life-threatening bleeding situations.

It's these types of initiatives that save lives, according to Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, who spent years working to raise awareness about drug addiction on Long Island.

"Prior to becoming Town Supervisor, I spent five years as Executive Director of the Manhasset Coalition Against Substance Abuse, working to spread awareness, helping others learn warning signs of drug addiction, and increasing the availability of Narcan training to safely and effectively reverse the fatal effects of an opioid overdose," DeSena said. "I hope our residents can join us for this important seminar. Initiatives like this help save lives."

In April, the New York State Department of Health released a report indicating that 2020 was the deadliest year for overdoses in history.

On Long Island, there were 585 opioid-related deaths reported in 2020, according to the state's health department. Compare that to 2019 and 2018, when there were 458 reported deaths and 504 fatalities, respectively. Back in 2016, when opioid overdoses caused more than a record 42,000 deaths nationwide, 535 fatalities were tallied on Long Island.

Town Councilmember Robert Troiano, Jr. said if more people had Narcan on them, and received the proper training to administer it, more people would be alive today — including his friend's son.

"Many of us know people who have been directly impacted by the opioid epidemic," Troiano said. "A dear friend lost their son due to an opioid overdose. Had a Narcan kit and someone who was properly trained been available, his life would have been saved."

Jon Sendach, the executive director of North Shore University Hospital, explained that opioid misuse was a major concern for years. And it didn't get better once the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

"It's a silent epidemic — unless you are the friend or a loved one of someone dealing with a substance use disorder," Sendach said. "All too often, our staff sees the havoc that opioids can unleash. This collaborative training with the Town of North Hempstead is an important step toward reversing an overdose before it's too late. Both Narcan and Stop the Bleed trainings are meant to be an important stop-gap to save lives before help arrives."

There will be two sessions for residents interested in learning more. Session 1 will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. and session 2 will be held the following hour. To register, visit www.northhempsteadny.gov/training. For more information, please call 311.