Griffin Health, Agency on Aging to inform seniors about opioid overdose

Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut are hosting a series of talks to inform seniors about know what can do in the event of an opioid overdose this October.

Naugatuck Valley Health District Overdose Prevention Navigator Austin Telford, MPH, CCHW, will present “Narcan and You: Empowering Seniors to Respond to an Opioid Overdose,” which provides essential information on recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer Narcan (naloxone), a safe and effective nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose. 

The discussion will cover how to obtain Narcan, what to do in an emergency, and the importance of this life-saving tool in protecting friends, family, and community members. 

Griffin Health caregivers will also be offering free blood pressure screenings and consultations at the events.

The presentations are scheduled for Oct. 2 from 2-3 p.m. at the Ansonia Senior Center, Oct. 6 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Seymour Senior Center, Oct. 22 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Shelton Senior Center, and Oct. 23 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Derby Neck Library.

These offerings are part of the AgeWell program, which is co-sponsored by Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut to increase access to care and prevent disease in the Valley senior community through a series of health screenings and healthy living education sessions each month. Periodically, this program provides nutritiously balanced and delicious foods for attendees.

Registration is required to attend the AgeWell events. 

To sign up, contact the location (Ansonia Senior Center: 203-736-5933; Seymour Senior Center: 203- 888-0406 ext. 1; Shelton Senior Center: 203-924-9324; and Derby Neck Library: 203-734-1492).

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Derby Public Library, Naugatuck Valley Health District to host Save A Life Day

DERBY - Derby Public Library will host a N.O.P.E. Program (N)augatuck Valley (O)verdose (P)revention & (E)ducation) Save A Life Day - April 9, 2-4 p.m. 

To register, call 203-736-1482 or email dplreference@biblio.org or atelford@nvhd.org

Thousands of individuals and organizations across the nation will come together for Save a Life Day, a vital initiative aimed at preventing overdose deaths and equipping communities with life- saving resources. 

This annual event is dedicated to raising awareness, providing education, and distributing free naloxone (Narcan) to those who need it most. This year, NVHD will join approximately 15 local health departments and districts around the state to provide free Narcan!

**If you suspect an opioid overdose, call 911 and get emergency medical assistance immediately.** Signs of an opioid overdose may include some if not all of the following: unresponsive to voice or touch; pinpoint-sized pupils, blue or purple fingernails and lips; slow heartbeat or low blood pressure; pale, clammy skin; slow, irregular, or stopped breathing.

Good Samaritan Law in CT protects people who call 911 seeking emergency medical services for an overdose from arrest* for possession of drugs/paraphernalia. The law also provides protection from civil liability and criminal prosecution for administering naloxone (Narcan) in response to an overdose.

*Good Samaritan Law does not protect someone from other charges and does not stop the police from serving a search or arrest warrant if that was already in process.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Derby Public Schools to host online parent workshop on drug trends

DERBY - BHcare and the Derby Youth Service Bureau are hosting a series of workshops for parents.

Next week's will cover current drug trends, including prescribed opioids.

Join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZEqcOygqT0iHtVY6Ap3eqx8qHqHa...