Free Naloxone will Soon be Available in Downtown Saline

First Presbyterian Church to Install a free Narcan Dispenser

In a compassionate and proactive response to the challenges posed by opioid overdoses, the First Presbyterian Church at 143 East Michigan Avenue in Downtown Saline, in collaboration with the Center for New Vision, will be installing a free naloxone (Narcan) dispenser at the front of their church. This initiative is a significant step toward safeguarding the health and well-being of Saline families, particularly those grappling with addiction issues or caring for aging adults who may inadvertently misuse medications.​

The Importance of Accessible Naloxone

Naloxone is a life-saving medication designed to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, effectively blocking the harmful effects of opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers. Importantly, naloxone is safe to use and has no adverse effects if administered to someone not experiencing an opioid overdose.

Benefits for Saline Families

• Supporting Loved Ones with Addiction: For families dealing with a member's opioid addiction, having immediate access to naloxone can mean the difference between life and death in the event of an overdose.​
• Assisting Caregivers of Aging Adults: Elderly individuals may accidentally take multiple doses of pain medication, leading to potential overdose. Ready availability of naloxone provides caregivers with a critical tool to address such emergencies promptly.​

How to use Narcan/Naloxone Nasal Spray

Administering naloxone is straightforward and can be done by anyone, even without medical training. The following steps outline the ACTION protocol:

1. Arouse: Attempt to wake the person by calling their name and gently shaking them.​

2. Check for signs of overdose: Look for symptoms such as unresponsiveness, slow or no breathing, and pinpoint pupils.

3. Telephone 911: Immediately call for emergency medical assistance.​

4. Intranasal Naloxone: Administer naloxone nasal spray:​

• Tilt the person's head back and provide support under the neck with your hand.​
• Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers are against the bottom of the person's nose.​ 
• Press the plunger firmly to release the dose into the nostril.

5. Oxygen: If the person is not breathing, provide rescue breaths or CPR if trained to do so.​

6. Naloxone again: If there is no response after 2-3 minutes, administer a second dose of naloxone

Encouraging Preparedness in the Community

The installation of the naloxone dispenser at the First Presbyterian Church ensures that this vital medication is readily accessible to those who may need it. Community members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the use of naloxone and to keep a kit on hand, especially if they are in contact with individuals at higher risk of opioid overdose. By doing so, we can collectively enhance the safety and well-being of our community, offering hope and a second chance to those affected by opioid misuse.​

For more information on how to obtain and use naloxone, please visit the CDC's guide on naloxone or contact the Center for New Vision.