The Gwinnett County Police Department has seen so many overdose cases recently that they are working to make NARCAN more available to the community. NARCAN, medically known as Naloxone HCI, is a nasal spray with an opioid antagonist, which can be lifesaving in the event of an overdose. NARCAN reverses respiratory depression and the effects of an overdose.
In the last 18 days, the Gwinnett County Police Department says they have seen 41 overdose cases. The department has issued a statement reminding the public that state law protects the victim and caller when requesting medical emergency services for anyone experiencing an overdose.
Anyone at the scene cannot be arrested, charged or prosecuted under Georgia’s 911 Medical Amnesty and Expanded Naloxone Access Law.
They also would like the community to know that NARCAN is available. “It is recommended that individuals keep the antidote on hand if they have been prescribed opioids or know someone who may be struggling with opioid misuse.”
Despite a message of help for those experiencing emergencies, the Gwinnett County Police Department says that they do continue to investigate and apprehend those individuals responsible for the sell and possession of illegal drugs.
For anyone wishing to obtain NARCAN, the police department recommends taking free NARCAN training held by Navigate Recovery at 52 Gwinnett Drive, Suite A in Lawrenceville 30046, sponsored by GNR Public Health and Georgia Overdose Prevention. Upon completing the classes, individuals will receive a free Nasal Spray Kit.
While waiting for first responders to arrive, NARCAN can be used against overdoses of heroin, fentanyl, methadone, hydrocodone, OxyContin, “Roxys,” Dilaudid, morphine and codeine. NARCAN does not work to reverse overdoses of methamphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, or bath salts. It will not help with alcohol poisoning.
However, most people overdose on a combination of drugs, so when in doubt about what someone has overdosed on, give naloxone. Naloxone does not affect a person who has not taken opioids.
If you have any questions or want more information regarding the training, contact 678-743-1808 ext. 115, email [email protected]. For GNR Health visit https://www.gnrhealth.com/opioids.
