by JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – While drug overdose deaths have decreased locally, health leaders don’t want the community to let its guard down.
Fentanyl continues to pose a major risk. The coroner recently told WBRC that these were the biggest drug kills in Jefferson County.
Dr. David Hicks, health officer with the Jefferson County Department of Health, said everyone should have Narcan, not just people who use drugs. The drug is a nasal spray that reverses an opioid overdose.
Last year it became available without a prescription. The county health department also distributes it along with fentanyl test strips.
The health official said people never know when they might need it.
“You may be surprised, you may be jogging down the street, you may be outside your workplace or school, and someone may be in the position of having just overdosed and you may be the one doing that. can do. actually provide life-saving treatment, without an ambulance having to be immediately available,” says Hicks.
If people find themselves in this situation, they should still call 911, but time is of the essence and having Narcan can save a life.
The Jefferson County Department of Health trains people in how to use these medications.
The public can find out more about the program here.
Receive news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.
Copyright 2024 WBRC. All rights reserved.
