Opioid training helps create life savers

BRADFORD, Tenn. — More than 1,200 Tennesseans died from opioid overdose in 2017, according to the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Leaders with the department are taking a prevention initiative with a Opioid Overdose Response Naloxone Training.

“I don’t think there’s really any reason not to be trained in this, honestly, because of the chances you could be exposed yourself, family members can be exposed, your family history,” Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist Melisa Lassiter said.

Lassiter says one way overdoses can be prevented is through Naloxone, a medication that can stop an opioid overdose.

“Each kit can save a life. That’s the goal of the Tennessee Save a Life grant fund from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services,” Lassiter said.

Each attendee at Monday’s training received one of these kits to take with them in case of an emergency. Those in attendance were also trained on how to use those kits.

“We want to train individuals on what the signs and symptoms are of an opiod overdose,” Lassiter said.

“After the training is completed we do a quick assessment, asking 10 questions, so that they can get a certification. It’s very basic questions like the signs and symptoms of an overdose,” Lassiter said.

Many who attended were first responders, which Lassiter said are the most important people to learn about Naloxone.

“They’re the ones who arrive on scene and homes, where lives can be saved from family members, but they have the key and the equipment to potentially save someone’s life,” Lassiter said.