Cortland County has continued to experience an alarming increase in opioid overdoses. An opioid overdose can happen to anyone consuming opioids for medical or recreational use. However, the pandemic and resulting social isolation have contributed to additional challenges for those struggling with addiction.

To address these concerns and save lives, Healing Cortland and other community agencies/groups are working together to promote naloxone training and distribution.

There are two upcoming Narcan Pop Up Events in April:

• Saturday, April 23 from 12-4pm at the Cincinnatus Fire Station.
• Friday, April 29 from 2-5pm, in front of the Cortland County Mental Health Department, 7 Clayton Ave.

Trainings will be offered by staff at the Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP) and volunteers from Healing Hearts Collaborative and staff from Family & Children’s Counseling Services.

Naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray is a lifesaving medication that reverses an opioid overdose in a matter of minutes. Anyone can be trained to administer Narcan and it is extremely simple to use. Even if you are not personally affected by opioid use, it is always safe to have a Narcan kit in case a neighbor, bystander, or family member is in need. You can save a life.

Anyone who participates in a brief 5 minute training can leave with their own free Narcan kit. Training activities take place outside with limited person-to-person interaction and COVID-19 safety precautions in place.

Free fentanyl test strips and COVID test kits will also be available. For other information on where to access Narcan, visit healingcortland.org/narcan.

Healing Cortland is a community-wide initiative to reduce overdose deaths in Cortland County. Healing Cortland, a project of CACTC, is working to increase and coordinate opioid overdose education and Narcan distribution in Cortland County to ensure that all residents have access. To learn more visit healingcortland.org.