CHD in La Grande works to prevent holiday overdose deaths
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, December 7th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NORTHEAST OREGON — As we approach the first holiday season with Narcan (Naloxone) available over the counter, experts at the Center for Human Development (CHD) in La Grande are explaining how it can be used to prevent many overdose deaths. The holidays are the most dangerous time of the year for drug-and-alcohol-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
“A couple reasons is that people use more or may relapse more during the holiday season as they may be a trigger to individuals. Things like holiday parties, family strains, disconnected family bonds, seeing family you don’t see often and “celebrating” may be factors,” says Lisa Whipple, Substance Use Disorder Treatment Coordinator at CHD. “The weather is also cold so people are staying indoors more, and the winter sunlight hours are shorter (which goes along with seasonal depression). The holidays can also increase general stress and financial stress that people and families are feeling. Anytime there’s an increase in use, there is an increase in overdoses.”
Narcan, or Naloxone, is a nasal spray device that contains medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. With opioid use, including prescription medications like hydrocodone and oxycodone, and nonprescribed opioid analogues like fentanyl, having Narcan readily available can be a life-saving intervention.
The CDC reports nearly 40% of opioid and stimulant overdose deaths occurred while a bystander was present. Carrying a naloxone kit at all times can save lives, especially for those who know someone who uses opioids, including prescription medications, and especially if combined with alcohol or sedative drugs; if they have a history of substance use; or are at risk of opioid emergencies.
“When someone is unresponsive and overdose is suspected, CALL 911, remove one dose from its package, insert nozzle as far as can go into one nostril and push red plunger to the top. Wait two minutes, provide rescue breaths, if breathing does not restore, use the other dose. Take it out of its package, insert in the other nostril and push the plunger. Repeat until breathing is restored or EMS takes over,” said Whipple.
Signs of an opioid emergency include having slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, pinpoint pupils, blue or purple lips or fingertips, or no response when you ask questions, shake the person, or rub the person’s breastbone with your knuckles.
Narcan can be picked up at the front desk of CHD at 2301 Cove Avenue in La Grande. No appointment is necessary and Narcan is provided at no cost. The CHD Outreach Center at 2206 Jefferson Avenue in La Grande also provides Narcan to community members. People can learn more about CHD addiction treatment services at the outreach center too.
Narcan is also available at many local pharmacies.
