Naloxone Saving Lives and Project DAWN

By Alexandrea Rehner and Max Fleck

Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental deaths in the U.S. with opioid addiction driving the epidemic along at 10,574 overdose deaths related to heroin in 2014, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Sam Riazzi, 41, very well could have been apart of that statistic during his four year battle with heroin.

 

The newest solution for Portage County is residential education being led by the Portage County Health Department through a community based program called Project DAWN.

“We cannot arrest our way out of this problem,” Ohio Attorney General Mike Dewine said. “This takes a holistic approach. We have to have education. We have to have prevention. We have to have treatment.”

Starting in September of 2015, Deaths Avoided With Naloxone offers drug overdose education and Naloxone distribution through a free 30 minute class offered to families, substance abusers, agency personnel, and law enforcement. The focus of the class being on the signs of symptoms of an overdose, rescue breathing, calling 911, and administering Naloxone (also known as Narcan) in an overdose situation.

Naloxone is repeatedly being referred to as the life-saving drug for its reversal of opioid effects by causing users to go into immediate withdrawal. The naloxone separates the opioid drug from the brain’s receptors and allows the individual to breath again within two to eight minutes.

“Everybody has somebody who in their life that’s addicted to heroin…you can’t find somebody who isn’t touched by this,” Becky Lehman said, Director of the Portage County Health Education and Promotion. “I have a personal connection with heroin. Who doesn’t?”

The heroin epidemic is rising in numbers all over the country, however, heroin isn’t the only opioid that is causing deaths. The less recognized dangers may very well be in your medicine cabinet now.

“This is not just about heroin and our bad guys. It’s also about prescription medications as well,” Lehman said.

In February, two toddlers were revived with naloxone after overdosing on prescription pills they found in their Warren, Ohio home.

“The whole point of Project DAWN is to lower the amount of deaths,” Lehman said. “Are we changing the numbers? I honestly don’t know and it’s too soon for us in Portage County just starting in September.”

The goal may be lowering the death rates by saving lives, like Sam Riazzi’s, from opioids as a whole, however, it’s also about giving citizens and other officials a way to fight back.

“I think it’s giving loved ones, family members peace of mind. That’s huge. If that’s all we did we’d be successful. I think it’s lowering the amounts of deaths… [and] it’s allowing people the second chance to get help and getting into recovery,” Lehman said.

Participants who complete the class will be given a free Project DAWN kit that is provided by the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Portage County. The kit is valued at $72 that includes two needleless syringes (containing Naloxone), two atomizers for nasal application, and an instructional DVD to name a few.

Project DAWN presents the best value for Portage County residents with Naloxone kits and refills remaining free, whereas online and at local pharmacies kits range from $20-90.

Project DAWN classes are held on the second floor of the Portage County Health Department at 705 Oakwood Street Ravenna, Ohio. The class is appointment only and held Mondays from 1-2:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 9-10:30 a.m., and every third Tuesday of the month at 5:30-6 p.m.

To make an appointment call Becky Lehman (extension 137) or Kat Holtz (extension 107) at 330-296-9919.