SALYERSVILLE – The Magoffin County Health Department distributed Narcan to the Magoffin County Rescue Squad via a grant to help prevent overdose deaths in the community and more will be available at an event on Monday.
Magoffin County Public Health Director James “Pete” Shepherd told Mortimer Media Group, “We got grant money from the state and we can put Narcan boxes in certain areas of the county. What it does is it allows people who is out in the county to stop by and get a Narcan box if they need it. Or if they don’t want to go to the health department or the pharmacies, they can go to these locations and get free Narcan.”
Shepherd explained they will keep the boxes filled, stocking as the free boxes of the overdose-preventing drug are picked up by people in the community.
As it stands, free Narcan can be picked up at the Magoffin County Health Department and now the Magoffin County Rescue Squad next to the entry door on the right of the building.
Today, the Magoffin County Health Department is having a “Save-A-Life Road Show” event on Monday, September 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., providing training for how to save a life, including by using Narcan. They will be giving away gift cards and other life-saving information.
“This is our third year doing the Road Show and we were sponsored by the state at first,” Shepherd said. “They brought their informational trailer up and gave away Narcan. This year and last year we’re doing it on our own, as far as the health departments in the Big Sandy area.”
They’ll have 15 vendors related to harm reduction, drug use/abuse, counseling, where to get Narcan, as well will have HIV and Hepatitis C testing.
When asked if the health department’s efforts to combat the local drug problem have had a noticeable impact, Shepherd said, “Well, yes, it’s gone a long way with a lot of people. In fact, we hear back from a lot of people, from the rescue squads and the first responders, about how many times they’ve had to go on calls and had to use the Narcan. It’s saved lives and that’s a good story, but it’s bad that so many are still using drugs and are having life-threatening situations with drug use. But, yes. The problem is, once we get one drug knocked in the head and down in use, there’s a new one that comes along. Narcan is very effective with fentanyl, but with zylazine that’s coming out now the Narcan is not effective. It’s a never-ending battle.”
The Magoffin County Health Department has a Syringe Exchange Program, which has shown a decrease in syringes being left on the street.
“Try to come out and help support us,” Shepherd said. “Get you some Narcan. It might not be for you or your family, but you might run up on somebody who might need it and you will have it. All of us keeps it in our vehicles and we want to make sure we are prepared. You will be taught how to use it and it’s very simple. Come in and get you some Narcan and let’s keep everyone safe in Magoffin County.”
