Free Narcan Training, Rescue Kit, Offered at Westport Library

Press Release

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker has announced that Positive Directions is hosting a Free Life-Saving Naloxone/Narcan Training for the community on August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day, with a free lunch and learn at the Westport Library (20 Jesup Road) from 12:30-1:30 pm.

Margaret Watt, Director of Prevention Services at Positive Directions, will facilitate the training as part of Westport Prevention Coalition's focus on educating individuals about the risks of opioids and counterfeit drugs and the potentially life-saving benefits of Naloxone.

First Selectwoman Tooker encourages Town staff and residents to learn about the opioid crisis and how to recognize an overdose and administer the life-saving drug Naloxone, aka Narcan(TM). Participants will receive a free Narcan kit. 

Watt states, "The opioid crisis has changed, with counterfeit drugs making their way into colleges and communities. While overdose deaths continue to be relatively rare in Westport, the growing presence of fentanyl in the drug trade is increasing the frequency of overdoses requiring revivals." 

Fentanyl can be laced into any substance and is increasingly compressed into pills masquerading as Xanax and other commonly prescribed drugs. Tragically, college students from our area have died from borrowing a tablet from a friend, thinking it was a sleep aid.  Recently a middle school student in Hartford died from fentanyl, and baggies of the product were found throughout his school.  

"In recognition of this new threat, August 21 has just been officially declared National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. It's an important time for everyone to talk with their family about drug safety and for businesses to be prepared to respond to a potential incident on their property," continued Watt. 

Tooker emphasized the importance of the Westport Prevention Coalition's work and invited residents to participate as coalition members. "The Westport Prevention Coalition provides a comprehensive approach to education and prevention services for Westport residents of all ages, through regular coalition meetings and programming."  

She added, "The Coalition is an essential component of the Town's ongoing efforts to address issues related to substance misuse and other community health needs. Positive Directions – the Center for Prevention & Counseling serves as the Town's Local Prevention Council and partners with our Human Services Department and Westport Together partners to address substance misuse and related behavioral health problems in our community."

The Town of Westport and the Westport Prevention Coalition encourages residents to teach their families that "one pill can kill." Never take any medication not prescribed to you, and be sure only to take medication picked up directly from a pharmacy. Know how to store your medications safely and dispose of them appropriately using a Deterra medicine disposal bag which can be obtained at your local pharmacy. 

Community members are encouraged to RSVP at www.positivedirections.org/events. Space is limited.   

To learn more, or get involved, in the Westport Prevention Coalition, go to www.westporttogether.org/prevention-coalition.