September 26th is Save A Life Day: Free Narcan Day in Tioga Co, N.Y.
TIOGA CO., N.Y. (WENY) -- Tioga County Public Health, in partnership with Tioga County ASAP Coalition and Tioga County Mental Hygiene, will hold free opioid overdose prevention training across the county on Thursday, September 26th.
• 8:30am – 10:30am: Spencer Food Cupboard (91 Orchard Street in Spencer, NY)
• 10:00am – 2:00pm: The Red Door (359 Broad Street, Waverly, NY)
• 4:00pm – 6:00pm: Tioga Downs (2384 W River Road, Nichols, NY)
The event is known as Save A Life Day and began in 2020 in West Virginia to raise awareness about substance use disorder and provide free Narcan kits. The rise of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, has made opioid overdoses more frequent and dangerous. This is said to be impacting many rural communities like in Tioga County.
With extended first responder response times, rural areas face a higher risk of fatal overdoses.
Narcan, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, has become accessible in Tioga County through various programs and pharmacies. Tioga County residents are encouraged to attend one of the free Narcan sessions which are open to everyone.
Someone who takes prescription pain medications or is in recovery and needs guidance is encouraged to contact the Tioga County Public Health Department by calling (607)-687-8600.