Opioid Overdose Reversal Training and Naloxone Distribution

Opioid Overdose Reversal Training and Naloxone Distribution

Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare (National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2019).

In response to the opioid crisis, PROMPT was formed. PROMPT stands for Partnership to Reduce Opiate Mortality and Promote Training. This coalition, formed by Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, aims to direct the expansion of overdose prevention efforts into the East Central Illinois Region.  Efforts include training individuals on how use Naloxone and reverse opioid overdose. PROMT serves Champaign, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Ford, Piatt, and Vermillion counties.

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan®, is a drug created to reverse opioid overdose. It can quickly restore normal breathing and save the life of a person who is overdosing on opioids, like heroin or prescription pain medicines.

Naloxone can be given to any person with symptoms of an overdose, whether you know it is from an opioid or not.  If the person has not used any opioids, naloxone will not work and will not cause any additional harm.

What to Expect During Training?

• An overview of the opioid epidemic and an understanding of the process of addiction
• How to recognize an opioid overdose and ways to help that person
• Instructions on how to use Naloxone, and time for participants to practice
• A FREE Naloxone kit that includes two injectable doses of Naloxone, a guide to using Naloxone, rubber gloves, and a mouth shield, if needed

Who Can Receive Training?

Training is FREE and in Illinois, anyone can be trained to give naloxone.

• Persons who use opiates
• Families and friends of persons who use opiates
• Mental health providers
• Jails, probation, parole
• First responders
• People who work in places where opiate users may go
  • Stores                                          
  • Libraries
  • Outdoor spots where people gather

Contact the Ford County Public Health Department at (217) 379-9281 for more information or to request training.

These services are supported in-full or in-part by a contract to CUPHD from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, as part of the Illinois Opioid-State Targeted Response grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (TI-080231).

Other Resources

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