Narcan is available at CBHC
Coshocton Behavioral Health Choices wants to get Narcan into the hands of those who could help someone at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose. (File)
Coshocton Behavioral Health Choices wants to get Narcan into the hands of those who could help someone at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose.
“Opioid addiction is a huge problem in Ohio, the country and especially here in Coshocton County,” said Marissa S. McCleary, APRN FNP-BC, nurse practitioner at CBHC.
Narcan has the ability to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, which involves respiratory and/or sever central nervous system depression.
“We had (Narcan) donated to us, and a physician or nurse practitioner has to oversee the dispensing of it,” McCleary said. “It’s very, very easy for people who want to get it.”
CBHC has a form people must fill out that includes their name, address and the date. People also have to mark if they are an individual who may be at risk for an opioid-related overdose, a family member or friend who could assist someone at risk or a peace officer. The individual then must read and sign the rest of the form containing information about Narcan and acknowledge they received instructions on how to use it and what are the signs of an overdose.
A person who is experiencing an overdose may have the following symptoms: slow breathing (less than one breath every five seconds) or no breathing; vomiting; pale and clammy face; blue lips, fingernails or toenails; slow, erratic or no pulse; snoring or gurgling noises while asleep or nodding out; and no response when you yell the person’s name or rub the middle of their chest with your knuckles.
“I rubber band the overdose signs and instructions to the Narcan,” McCleary said. “It’s easy one, two, three instructions.”
The Narcan is a nasal spray and good until May 2022.
“We have it available and want to get it out to citizens,” McCleary said. “It could save someone’s life and be the wake-up call they need to get help. It’s not an alternative to calling 911, though. They need to be done together.”
Coshocton Behavioral Health Choices April hours for its clinic are Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The office is located at 610 Walnut St.
“We will have the Narcan until our supply is gone,” McCleary said.
For more information call CBHC at 740-622-0033.
Category: People & Places
