Cortland County is hosting its first Narcan pop-up event this Friday, December 11, 12:30-2:30pm, in the Cortland County Office Building parking lot. The County Office building is located at 60 Central Ave. 

The current pandemic has forced many people into isolation. Opioid overdose rates have increased dramatically, as public health experts have predicted a record year in fatal and non-fatal overdoses. In Cortland County, we are feeling this personally. Fatal overdose rates have increased by nearly 200% since March. Opioid overdose can happen to anyone consuming opioids for medical or recreational use.

Narcan nasal spray is a lifesaving medication that reverses an opioid overdose in the matter of minutes. Anyone can be trained to administer Narcan and it is extremely simple to use. 

Family & Children’s Counseling Services and CACTC are partnering to organize Cortland’s first Narcan Pop-Up Event on Friday, December 11 from 12:30-2:30pm in the parking lot of the Cortland County Office Building. Anyone who participates in a brief few minute training can leave with their own Narcan kit. Distribution will take place outside with limited person-to-person interaction and safety precautions in place. Dignity Kits and other resources will also be available. 

The COTI Program, which stands for Center of Treatment Innovation and is part of Family & Children’s Counseling Services, goes out and provides support and resources to individuals wherever they are in Cortland County. The COTI mobile van will be set up and the distribution will be taking place outside of it. 

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.

For more information about the COTI Program or to access naloxone, you can contact them by phone at the Main office at (607)753-0234 or on the Program Director cell at (607)749-0014 during traditional business hours.  You can also reach them by email at COTI@fcscortland.org.