Youth are increasingly impacted by the national opioid epidemic, yet often lack access to the tool they need to prevent overdoses and save lives.
To address this need, SafeRx Santa Cruz County (SafeRx), the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) and partners including Cabrillo College and Inspire Diagnostics are hosting a Drive-Thru Naloxone (NarcanⓇ) Event from 12-4 p.m. Saturday, April 22, with the goal of getting the opioid-overdose reversal tool directly into the hands of teens and parents.
SafeRx, a program of the Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz County, strongly encourages all households to obtain naloxone (NarcanⓇ) and include it right next to the Band-Aids as a life-saving addition to their home first-aid kit.
“Naloxone (NarcanⓇ) is safe, effective, and because it is a simple nasal spray, it is easy to administer,” said Ali Hayes, SafeRx Senior Program Coordinator. “Just like a fire extinguisher, we believe NarcanⓇ should be a part of every household’s safety plan — and to make sure everyone in the home knows where it is, and how to use it.”
Every school district in Santa Cruz County has naloxone available on its high school campuses, along with staff trained in its use. It is also available at a growing number of middle and elementary schools.
“Public health experts are telling us the most effective way to prevent overdoses is to ensure teens have direct access to naloxone,” said Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah. “We see this distribution event as an important step toward ensuring this life-saving tool is available when it is needed most.”
FACTS:
- Teen opioid overdoses and accidental poisonings have tripled nationally in the past 2 years.
- Fentanyl — an extremely potent synthetic opioid — is a key factor in the increase in overdoses and poisonings.
- Naloxone (NarcanⓇ) is an opioid reversal tool that can save lives.
- Naloxone (NarcanⓇ) nasal spray will be available at the event for youth (ages 12 and up) and adults free of charge.
- Educational resources for parents and caregivers will also be available at the event.
WHAT: Drive-Thru Naloxone (Narcan) Event
WHEN: 12-4 p.m. Saturday, April 22
WHERE: Inspire COVID-19 Testing Site (behind the stadium), Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
