Cranford Prevention and Wellness Alliance (PAW) and Cranford Police Department Host Narcan Training/Distribution Event October 15th
The Cranford Prevention and Wellness Alliance (PAW) and the Cranford Police Department teamed up to organize a Naloxone or "Narcan" Training event on October 15th, 2024, to address the ongoing opioid crisis. This free event is possible thanks to sponsorships by the Health and Wellness Coalition of Union County and Prevention Links. Residents interested in receiving free training and a supply of naloxone can come to the Cranford Community Center on October 15th, 2024 from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM.
Opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol all slow the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. However, when taken in excessive amounts or in combination, they can depress normal functions such as breathing and heart rate until breathing and the heart eventually stops, resulting in death.
Naloxone (also known as Narcan®) is the drug used by paramedics to revive people who have had an opioid overdose. In New Jersey, you can request free naloxone by mail, pick up free naloxone at participating pharmacies, or by attending a local naloxone distribution/training.
"The purpose of this training is to empower our residents to respond to emergencies involving their loved ones and opioid use," said Cranford PAW Coordinator Karen Bennett. "By providing resources such as training and free Naloxone to the public, we continue to reduce the direct and indirect harm associated with opioid overdoses within our community," she said.
The Cranford Police Department helped to facilitate this event as part of recent programming made possible by the National Opioid Settlement Fund. Through education, law-enforcement assisted diversion (LEAD), and offering public resources with community partners, the department hopes to reduce the number of opioid-related overdoses within Cranford.
"It's important for our residents to know that those affected by substance use disorder are protected by both the NJ Overdose Prevention Act and the Good Samaritan Law," said Captain Matthew Nazzaro. "Our goal is to destigmatize substance use disorder and help provide meaningful resources to the members of our community.”
For more information on the mission of the Cranford Prevention and Wellness Alliance, which was originally the Municipal Alliance, and is comprised of volunteer community stakeholders, visit ourbestcranford.org.
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Release by Captain Matthew R. Nazzaro - PIO
m-nazzaro@cranfordnj.org / 908-709-3990