The following is a press release issued by the Mendocino County Office of Education:
The Mendocino County Office of Education, in partnership with Mendocino County Public Health, is offering a free naloxone (Narcan) training that is open to all community members. Concerned parents, educators, community leaders, and individuals interested in learning more are welcome. The training will occur on Monday, May 20, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the MCOE Campus, 2240 Old River Road in Ukiah. Public Health will provide Naloxone and other harm-reduction supplies to participants.
RSVP for the event here: http://bit.ly/5_24MCOE_naloxonetraining
“The Mendocino County Office of Education is committed to working with our education and community partners to prioritize the safety of our county’s students and families. This training is one more step forward in safeguarding our students and ensuring community members have access to vital resources,” emphasized Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools Nicole Glentzer.
Statistics from Safe RX Mendocino reveal a troubling reality, with opioid overdose rates in Mendocino County three times higher than California’s average. In 2021, 47 individuals lost their lives due to preventable opioid overdoses in Mendocino County alone. In addition, a surge in opioid overdoses among school-age children in California raises significant concerns. Collaboration among community members, schools, agencies, and healthcare providers is an essential step in reducing opioid-related risks and harm and upholding the well-being of children.
Naloxone is the go-to life-saving medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose while having little to no other side effects on an individual if opioids are not present in their system. Paramedics and hospitals have effectively used naloxone for decades, and its availability to the public without a prescription since 2023 marks a significant milestone in combating opioid overdoses.
For more resources on preventing and reducing opioid and psychostimulant abuse and to learn how to get treatment help, please visit Safe RX Mendocino: https://www.saferxmendocino.com.
