Overdose-response class set for Dec. 12 in Bethpage

A Nov. 1 training class for opiate overdoses that was canceled because of superstorm Sandy has been rescheduled for Dec. 12 from 7-9 p.m.

The class — Recognizing the Signs of an Opiate Overdose and Saving a Life — will be at the Morelly Homeland Security Center at 510 Grumman Rd. W. in Bethpage. It is sponsored by Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and Legis. Norma Gonsalves (R-East Meadow).

County officials said that anyone wishing to participate who had registered for the canceled class should also register for the new class by calling 516-571-6105 or emailing elaikin@nassaucountynygov.

Nassau residents are invited to attend the training, learn how to administer the lifesaving overdose antidote called Narcan, and — if they are at least 18 years old — get a free Narcan kit to take home.

“We’re losing too many of our youth to this deadly drug epidemic,” Mangano said in a statement. “We need to be vigilant in all areas if we are going to eradicate this danger — education, enforcement, prevention and treatment are all key. If the drug-addicted person dies of an overdose, however, he or she won’t have the opportunity to recover and lead a healthier, productive life.”

County officials said they’ve extended the invitation for the training to local parent-teacher associations, drug treatment providers, school social workers, and family members identified as having a drug-addicted loved one at risk of overdosing.

So far, Nassau is the first county outside New York City under a law in effect for six years to win state certification to train non-medically trained people in administering Narcan.
In 2011, 151 Nassau County residents died because of prescription painkillers, heroin or other opiates, according to Mangano’s office — an average of about three residents every week.

Above: Oxycodone tablets