YORK, Pa. — A Narcan distribution event took place in York City on Tuesday, aiming to save more lives from opioid overdoses.
The York Opioid Collaborative organized the monthly Narcan distribution event, along with providing resources for drug abuse and sexual wellness.
Opioids, specifically fentanyl, continue to be the primary cause of overdoses in the York community. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health shows that there were over 5,000 opioid drug overdoses in 2022, marking a 4% drop from the previous year.
"2023 was a little bit higher than the previous year but not as significant as 2020, and so far this year we're trending downwards, so hopefully that continues," said Brittany Shutz, the executive director of York Opioid Collaborative.
If you come across someone you believe has overdosed:
- Start with a sternum rub
- Pat their shoulders to wake them up
- Call 911
- Pull out your Narcan, place it into the nose, and push the plunger.
- After administering the first dose, start administering rescue breaths until they start breathing on their own or until emergency services arrive.
- Continue this pattern for about three minutes, administering a second dose if they don't wake up.
"Having Narcan is important to potentially reverse that overdose and keep that person alive to get help," said Shutz.
Shutz emphasized that Narcan is not a treatment for a substance use disorder; it's similar to an AED for a heart attack. The Narcan distribution is available for those who want to be there for anyone who may need help saving a life, or the resources to get sober.
"Whether they know someone or not who struggles with substance use, it's a good tool to have," said Shutz.
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