Free Narcan Training

FREE NALOXONE TRAINING

Our friends in Harm Reduction, Steph Devich and Brit Culp, are coming back to Rochester to help educate our community about Harm Reduction (in general, and how it helps keep everyone in the community safer) and to train us on how to recognize an overdose, as well as how to use Naloxone (generic name for Narcan) in reversing a suspected opioid overdose.

Harm Reduction is defined as: “a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs…it incorporates a spectrum of strategies from safer use, to managed use to abstinence to meet drug users “where they’re at,” addressing conditions of use along with the use itself.” Much of what this means to us is when we meet people where they are at, we also do not leave them behind, as offering the dignity and human connection paired with the practical strategies offers the full picture of supporting people as they navigate through life as safely as possible. We accept, for better and or worse, that licit and illicit drug use is part of our world and chooses to work to minimize its harmful effects rather than simply ignore or condemn them; and at the same time we do not attempt to minimize or ignore the real and tragic harm and danger associated with licit and illicit drug use.

Those of us who practice Harm Reduction come from a place of non-judgement and not shaming people who use drugs, and let them direct the narrative of the conversation as well as their expressed needs.

Drug use is complex, and can also exist on a spectrum of chaotic to managed to absent of use, and the realities of poverty, class, racism, social isolation, past trauma, sex-based discrimination and other social inequalities affect both people’s vulnerability to and capacity for effectively dealing with drug-related harm. In all this, certain times of the year are also harder than others, and for many, holidays are no exception in terms of harder times. Isolation and loneliness feel more pervasive, or other traumas or mental health issues are triggered – and self-medication is one way many people cope.

People who use drugs (previously and/or currently) shouldn’t have to feel isolated or alone, and there is a lot of healing that comes from connection and dignity. This combined with the practical strategies and tools we use, as well as supporting community members in having information and answering any questions other community members may have. Part of reducing harm on a systems and community level is working to help change the conversation, and offer a different perspective regarding people who use drugs – especially as most, if not all, of us have a loved one who has had issues with drug use.

Personally, and reflected in experience, we can be a part of the process of positive change in the lives of people who use drugs by handing them a naloxone kit and/or safer works, and saying “I love you, be safe.” Drugs have always been a part of our societies, and the main difference we are seeing now is the increase in lethality spurred by a punitive system that decreases tolerance and increases risk, and the proliferation of drugs adulterated with Fentanyl and its analogs – all of different potencies. Education is a valuable and necessary tool in how we can work alongside each other in saving lives.

What you’ll learn and get from this training:

· Naloxone training and at least one kit (potential for multiple kits dependent on how many people are present and how many kits we have available).
· Safer works for people who use drugs (note: we will work with you to help supply you with any needs with as much discretion as wanted and needed on your end).
o Potential for fentanyl testing strips, pending availability. **note: fentanyl is being detected in more than heroin; it has been detected in illicitly made pills, methamphetamine, and cocaine – anyone who uses any of these at any frequency, please be aware of the existing risks, and please ask us if you would like or need testing strips.**
· Tips and strategies for how we can talk about drugs and drug use in a way that doesn’t shame people who use drugs, and can create an open space for dialogue and navigating how to get help when ready.
· Learn why shame and stigma are primary agents in what drives overdose risks, and how these helped drugs win the “war on drugs.”
· Questions that you may have – bring them and we will likely have an answer!”