Date of event: 10-24-19

Event: Narcan Grant

For immediate release:

 

St. Clair County Sheriff's Deputies will now carry Narcan in an effort to prevent opioid overdose deaths. Sheriff's Deputies have been trained to use naloxone (brand name Narcan), a nasal spray medication that can be administered to restore breathing to those suffering from opiate overdoses. Dangerous opioid drugs include heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone. Many of St. Clair County residents reside in rural and semi- rural settings that are located a considerable distance from Emergency Medical Services, because of this Sheriff's Deputies may be the first emergency responders to arrive at the scene of an overdose.

Naloxone temporarily blocks opioid effects, and can prevent death and permanent brain damage caused by overdose. It is not addictive and has no known side effects on non- overdosing individuals.

Sheriff Murray set up the program in partnership with the Alabama Department of Mental Health and the Alabama Department of Public Health. A grant by the Department of Mental Health provided the Narcan. Thanks to their grant, we can continue to have a meaningful impact on our community.