Glen Cove Seniors Learn Life-Saving Skills in Powerful Narcan Workshop

Glen Cove High School, Glen Cove, NY, USA - In an effort to combat the rising tide of opioid overdoses among young people, a significant workshop took place at Glen Cove High School on June 6. Hosted by Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the Narcan training workshop was designed to equip graduating seniors with life-saving skills. As detailed by Long Island Press, the initiative was organized in collaboration with the Office of the Nassau County Executive and the Nassau County Department of Human Services, marking a proactive step towards addressing a serious issue facing today’s youth.

The primary goal of the training was to educate students on recognizing the signs of an opiate overdose and effectively administering intranasal Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan. Upon completing the training, participants were provided with their very own Narcan kits, a crucial resource for potentially saving lives in emergency situations. Calle Panakos, the Coordinator of Education and Training from the county’s mental health office, took the opportunity to speak to the students, reinforcing the importance of being prepared to intervene in an overdose scenario.

A Heartfelt Connection

One of the most poignant moments of the workshop came when Corinne Kaufman shared her deeply personal story. She spoke about her granddaughter, Paige Gibbons, who tragically passed away from a fentanyl overdose after mistakenly consuming what she believed was a Percocet pill. Kaufman highlighted the need for awareness around these dangers, particularly for young people navigating a world filled with substance misconceptions. Paige’s story is a stark reminder of the very real opioid crisis that continues to unfold, especially among those under 30—a demographic seeing soaring overdose rates nationally, as evident from research by Stop Overdose.

The workshop is part of a broader movement to educate young individuals about opioid use, which can range from casual consumption to full-blown addiction. Reasons for opioid use among youth often stem from social pressures, the desire to escape emotional distress, or simply boredom. As Overdose Lifeline points out, overdose education is essential for young people, as it mimics the training they receive for other health emergencies.

Community Engagement and Training

What’s particularly heartening is that overdose education can be imparted by anyone willing to take on the responsibility. Schools, community groups, and even mental health professionals play a vital role in spreading awareness. This training is applicable for diverse groups, including educators, parents, and community members, all aimed at fostering a safer environment for youth.

Should you find yourself curious about getting involved, there are multiple formats available for Naloxone training. Options range from self-paced online courses to live sessions provided by organizations like Overdose Lifeline, catering to groups of any size. While participants do not gain formal credentials to distribute Naloxone, the knowledge they gain is immeasurable in its potential to save lives.

Ultimately, Glen Cove High School’s Narcan training isn’t just about passing along medical knowledge; it’s about empowering the next generation to act in the face of alarming trends. With overdose deaths among young people on the rise, equipping them with the tools to intervene could not be more vital, as every second counts in a crisis.