Narcan Training & Antidote Available in Ocean County

Free kits will also be available too.

To be honest.....I'm not really sure how I feel about this actually. Does this address the actual issue? Is it dealing with the epidemic that is taking to many lives? Or is it just providing a "safety net" and not dealing with the problem? I don't really know. I guess it's a good thing, but something about this just makes me believe the real issue won't be confronted.

Obviously the person who is overdosing can't administer the antidote to themselves. Someone else would have to help.

If you are not familiar with Narcan, it is a drug that is used to reverse a heroin overdose. Narcan is successful about 80 percent of the time in reviving a victim overdosing on an opiate, including heroin and prescription painkillers such as oxycodone and morphine.

Heroin has become a major problem in Ocean and Monmouth County over the last few years. Many times it starts from a painkiller addiction prescribed from a doctor, but with the cost of the pills being so high, switching to a cheaper "street" heroin is a more affordable alternative for addicts.

Everyday it seems you read about someone overdosing from heroin use. Many times it is someone you know, or someone you grew up with.

Back in 2015, all of Ocean County's police departments started carrying the medication on the job which has reduced heroin overdose deaths compared to the previous year.

But now, Narcan kits, and training on how to use the medication will also be available for people who know someone who is using heroin, and are concerned about an overdose.

According to the The Patch, you have to pre-register to attend a training session by calling 732-349-1977 ext. 174

There will be free Narcan kits available at the training sessions, which will be held at Ocean Mental Health Service, 160 Atlantic City Boulevard in Bayville on