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“Each time I leave the house, I check my purse for my must-haves. Wallet? Check. Keys? Got ‘em. Naloxone? Always.
 
​I know that on any given day during the deadliest overdose crisis in U.S. history, I could find myself in the position to save a life. And I always want to be prepared.  In 2020, we lost 93,000 Americans to an overdose. That’s a record.

But opioid overdoses don’t have to be fatal. Naloxone can reverse one in minutes, changing everything for a person in need as well as for the whole constellation of loved ones that surrounds them.

Almost six years ago, my little brother died from an overdose in the apartment we shared. If I had had naloxone with me that night, maybe he would have survived. The pain of losing him to something preventable never really fades. It just changes shape.
I’m only one person. I can’t save 93,000 lives. But I could save one life. And so could you.”

Jess Keefe
Director of Digital Strategy, Advocacy
Shatterproof

Though nonfatal opioid overdoses have been on the rise, fatal opioid overdoses in Wilson County, NC are on a steady decline.  Naloxone saves lives and gives patients another opportunity for the treatment they need to help them live the lives they and their families deserve.

BE THE 1 BEFORE 911


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​Administering Narcan
  • If a person is unconscious, then call 911 immediately.
  • If you suspect an overdose, then administer Narcan immediately.  Don’t wait for EMS or another first responder.  YOU are the first responder!
  • Administering Narcan is covered by The Good Samaritan Law.  Therefore, there are no legal ramifications for administering it.
  • Narcan is safe for all ages.
  • If the person is experiencing an opioid overdose, then Narcan should awaken them.  If the overdose is from another substance, Narcan will not help.  However, it will not hurt either.
  • The person does not have to be completely unconscious to administer Narcan.  If they are semi-conscious or very difficult to fully awaken, then Narcan can be administered.
  • When EMS arrives, give them the empty Narcan container that was used.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS ADVOCATE FOR NARCAN TRAINING
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Wilson County Public Library Staff are seen here holding boxes of Naloxone that were given to them for free.  ​Thanks to the HRSA RCORP Grant (The Health Resources and Services Administration Rural Communities Opioid Response Program), the Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition and Wilson Professional Services Treatment Center are able to provide FREE naloxone administration training and FREE naloxone kits to Wilson County.
Pictured below is Naloxone Training at Wilson County Library with the Wilson County Health Department in May, 2023.
Training and Distribution Data for Naloxone in Wilson County, NC since September 2020.
Pictured above are Pharmacy Tech Students from Beddingfield High School being trained to use Naloxone.  Thank you to the Wilson Education Partnership for helping to arrange this opportunity for them.
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING.....
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"I am so glad I had the opportunity to participate in Narcan training because it now allows me to be properly equipped to address the needs of anyone who is experiencing an [opioid] overdose and ultimately help save their life."

"Narcan training was an insightful experience that brought awareness to the dangers of substance [misuse] in my community. It was beneficial to learn how to identify signs of substance [misuse] and administer Narcan nasal spray to save lives."

"I felt the Narcan training was extremely informative, and could save countless lives. I was shocked to hear just how common of a problem opiate addiction is in Wilson! I think everyone who has an occupation in the public eye should take this training."
WCSPC is proud to be part of the Wilson Education Partnership's Career Health Connections rotation.  This program is designed for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in learning more about careers in healthcare.  During their visit with WCSPC, students are trained in substance misuse prevention, naloxone administration and how the syringe services program works in Wilson County.
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​Naloxone Administration Training at Greenfield School, Wilson, NC
COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE NETWORKING
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​"Since 2020, the staff of Wilson County EMS has distributed over 150 Port Kits to members of our community and their families who experience an Opioid Overdose event. Our Post Overdose Response Team continues to focus on community outreach to those who suffer from substance misuse through follow-up calls and home visits." ~Kalif Ward, Clinical Affairs Officer, Wilson County EMS
COMMUNITY FAITH LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR NARCAN TRAINING
Far left, Amber Leclerq, Director of Wilson Professional Services Treatment Center (WPS), and far right, Stuart Small, Clinical Manager at WPS are seen with community faith leaders they trained in April 2021 at Impact Church of Wilson.  
“Jesus demonstrated His passion to save lives. We want to help save those suffering with chemical dependency so they can live another day to get the help they need.” ~Rev. David List, Senior Pastor, Impact Church of Wilson, NC
“The Narcan training and resources were good. I haven't had to administer it to anyone as of yet. But I did share the information with some friends with hopes that others would understand the need to be trained as well.”
Lorraine Jones-Whitfield, New Jerusalem Church-NJC, Wilson NC
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On August 15, 2021, in partnership with Wilson Professional Services and Impact Church of Wilson, Inc., the coalition trained 33 community members on how to use Naloxone to save lives!!  Their ages ranged from 12-72 years old.  20 Naloxone kits were distributed to the families and individuals represented that day.  

“I carry Narcan because I never know when God will put me in the right place at the right time to save a life.”  ~Impact Church Member

“I think carrying and knowing how to use Narcan is important because I can help save someone’s life and give them a chance at changing their way of living.” ~12 year old community member
 “I would like to thank Amber Leclercq and the entire staff at WPS (Wilson Professional Services), (RC3) Recovery Concepts Community Center, WCSPC (Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition), the staff of the St. John Community Development Corporation, Save-A-Youth program, and all the attendees of the Narcan Training facilitated by WPS at St. John Community Development Corporation. We had 12 attendees for this event and it was beneficial to the participants and the community. An array of community leaders were in attendance such as clergy, teachers, staff from the Hope Station, etc., and we look forward to sponsoring another event in the future. The knowledge obtained during this training was beyond measure and it will save lives. I would also like to acknowledge the medication lockboxes, cabinet locks, and medication disposable kits that St. John AMEZ church and St. John Community Development Corporation have received from the RC3, Recovery Concepts Community Center in collaboration with the Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition. These services among many have been a blessing to the church congregants and individuals in the community as a whole.   As the Executive Director of the St. John Community Development Corporation, Save-A-Youth program, and the Senior Pastor of St. John AMEZ church, I am honored to be a community partner with the Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition and the great work that they are doing within the Wilson community." 
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Lamont F. Foster, Sr., BS, Ed.D., MDiv, DMin
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​I was honored to attend the Narcan training on May 11, 2021. It was important for me to attend the training so that lives can be saved. I am thankful for the free training and supplies because sometimes my community gets overlooked as far as resources. I have not had to use the Narcan as of yet but it is reassuring to have the training and the Narcan available in case I am faced with that challenge. ~Cynthia Smith, member of St. John AMEZ church and staff at the St. John CDC, Save-A-Youth, Wilson, NC