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MCC Daily Tribune

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month

Young adults and students attending college play a uniquely effective role in encouraging their peers to consider and talk honestly about responsible habits and attitudes towards the safe use or non-use of alcohol, drugs and other high-risk behaviors affecting their health and wellness. Peers were more likely to protect a friend and call for help or 911 when drinking or concerned about drug use.  New York State Office of Addiction and Support Services (NY Oasas) and the National Institute of Health on Alcohol and Alcoholism (NIH/niaa) found that alcohol use, in combination or alone, with prescription drugs, opioids, illicit fentanyl and counterfeit drugs obtained illegally (online or other) increased the risk of fatal overdoses. Fatal overdoses involving counterfeit drugs that were laced with fentanyl accounted for 300 deaths per day in the US in 2022.         

  • Understanding the Facts about Illicit Drug use and Fentanyl Overdoses: It only takes one
    From 2019 to 2021 overdose deaths among teens aged 15 to 19 more than doubled. NIH Studies show, that while teen drug use did not increase – the drug supply became more dangerous.   Counterfeit drugs laced with illicit fentanyl were involved in nearly 70% of fatal overdose deaths in 2022. NY Oasas and the NIH identified opioids, prescription pain killers, heroin, and fentanyl as dangerous potentially addictive substances with six out of ten* fentanyl-laced pills able to trigger a fatal overdose. To protect yourself and others, you should never take a pill that hasn’t been prescribed for you by a provider, even if it looks real.   
  • Recognizing Symptoms of an Opioid Over Dose: Acting Quickly Can Save A Person’s Life
    Look for slow or shallow breathing, not responding when approached, head nodding, pale or bluish color lips and skin, and pinpoint pupils.  Understand that a person who is unconscious, is unable to protect themselves and should never be left alone.  Calling 911 and/or Public Safety Immediately at 585-292-2911 and administering Naloxone intra-nasally can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

If you are unsure if it’s an alcohol overdose or suspected overdose from a fentanyl-laced drink, Call 911 Immediately and Public Safety at 585-292 2911 and administer Naloxone if you have it. Stay with the person until medical help arrives.

  • See an Overdose? Call 911: The Good Samaritan Law protects You and Saves Lives!
    Anyone, regardless of age, calling  911 seeking medical help for themselves or someone else during a drug or alcohol overdose is protected by the 911 Good Samaritan Law.  The Law empowers you to save a life, especially if the person is passed out, cannot be woken up, is not breathing or breathing slowly, and showing signs and symptoms of a drug or alcohol overdose. Go to New York State Department of Health (health.ny.gov/overdose) to learn more about the 911 Good Samaritan Law.      
  • Overdose Rescue Kits at MCC: Using Naloxone Kits to Reverse an Opioid/Fentanyl Overdose
    MCC Public Safety, in partnership with the Monroe County Opioid Overdose Prevention Program to protect our college community, has installed Naloxone (Narcan) emergency stations on all of the MCC campuses. Each station contains Naloxone (Narcan), in prepackaged boxes containing 2 intra-nasal spray doses that are free to anyone for use as an emergency intervention to reverse an opioid/fentanyl overdose. Instructions for use are included in each box.  Posters showing how to administer Naloxone (Narcan) are located adjacent to each emergency station.

Training is available by accessing the embedded links on the Monroe County web page, where you can register for a class and obtain health and harm reduction program information.      

Free Naloxone Virtual Training Offered by NY State Oasas and Other Injury Prevention Partners in NY    

Currently, the New York State Office of Addiction and Support Services is sponsoring free virtual training on how to recognize an opioid overdose and companion Naloxone Training, free of charge.

Each two (2) hour session is offered with day and evening options. Upon completion of the class, each participant will receive an Overdose Rescue Kit containing Naloxone.

Register for virtual classes through NYS  for Naloxone training events sponsored throughout 2024.  See April and May sessions offered below:

  • April 15 & 23, 2024
  • May 2,  6, 15, 20, & 28, 2024

Having access to these lifesaving emergency use kits can protect you, your friends, and loved ones from a fatal overdose of an opioid or illicit counterfeit drug containing fentanyl. One life lost to a fatal overdose is one too many.

Fran Hampton RN, BSN
MCC Counseling, Disability and Health Services

Sources:

Frances Hampton
Health Services
04/16/2024