|
Nursing Staff at the Deep River and District Hospital are pictured here with the Naloxone (Narcan) Kits that are now available to take home from the Emergency Department. From left to right are RN’s Mary deRuiter, Melanie Grant – Narcan Distribution Program Lead, and Allison Lepack – Manager of Clinical Services.
In collaboration with the Renfrew County District Health Unit (RCDHU), the Deep River and District Hospital’s Emergency Department is implementing a Narcan Distribution Program.
Narcan kits include a nasal spray form of Naloxone for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. Naloxone counteracts the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose, and although it is not a substitute for emergency medical care, it can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids. With the understanding that most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, Narcan kits were developed for first responders, as well as family, friends, and caregivers to be able to use with simple training.
The goal of the Deep River and District Hospital’s program is to identify those who are at risk for an opioid overdose, or those who may respond to an overdose, and provide them with a kit and appropriate training.
Those requesting a Narcan Kit are not required to provide identification. If requesting a kit at the Emergency Department, please keep in mind that our Nursing Staff may be busy caring for patients and you may need to wait to receive your kit. Education on responding to an overdose and the safe use of Narcan kits, as well as how to recognize the signs and symptoms of overdose, will be provided by Nursing Staff before distributing a kit.
Allison Lepack, Manager of Clinical Services at the Deep River and District Hospital, indicated that “we are amongst the first Emergency Departments in Renfrew County to partner with the RCDHU on a Naloxone Distribution Program. We hope that the program will be a beneficial asset to our communities”.
For more information about the Narcan Distribution Program, please contact Allison Lepack at 613-584-3333 ext. 7401.
|