It’s an effort to train people in the use of Naloxone and responding to overdoses.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Health Department is participating in “Save-A-Life” day on Thursday, September 25th. Marisa Shields, Harm Reduction Program Coordinator with the Health Department, says it’s an effort to train more people in the use of Naloxone—or Narcan–and how to respond when someone is having an overdose.
“‘Save-A-Life’ Day is the country’s largest free Naloxone Day. County-level organizers coordinate events at various locations,” she says.
Participants will be trained in how to use Naloxone which is a nasal spray used to help counter the affects of an overdose, It was previously available only by prescription, but it was approved for over-the-counter sale in 2023.
In addition to the training, participants will also get a Naloxone kit.
Shields say Naloxone can make a difference for someone who is experiencing an overdose. “Naloxone makes a difference by saving the lives of those who experience opioid overdoses by temporarily reversing the affects and restoring breathing,” she says.
And she says more people should be trained in the use of Naloxone. “The US Surgeon General also recommends anyone taking prescription opioids, using illicit drugs, their family and friends, health care professionals, and anyone in the community to use Naloxone and keep it on hand,” says Shields.
It all began in West Virginia and has spread to the rest of the country. “They began Save-A-Life Day because West Virginia and the Appalachian states were some of the most hardest hit locations of opioid overdoes, “she says.
The Frederick County Health Department says overdose deaths began to drop nationwide in 2024. At that time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an annual 27 percent decline in fatalities across the nation. The Health Department says many factors contributed to this drop. and Naloxone access is one reason.
The locations for Naloxone training in Frederick County on “Save-A-Life” Day are:
Frederick County Health Department (350 Montevue Lane Frederick MD, entrance A) 8am-4pm
Frederick County Health Department Golden Mile Office (1100 W. Patrick St. Frederick, MD) 8am-4pm*
Frederick Housing and Human Services (100 S Market St. Frederick MD) 9am-4pm
Walkersville Library (2 South Glade Road Walkersville, MD) 9:30am-11:30am
Thurmont Kountry Kitchen in Thurmont (17 Water St. Thurmont MD) 11am-1pm
Frederick County Courthouse (100 W. Patrick St. Frederick, MD, outside courtyard area) 12:30pm-2:30pm
Jubilee Foods (515 E. Main St. Emmitsburg MD) 2:30-4:30
Brunswick Square Corner Park (1 E Potomac St. Brunswick, MD,) 2:30-4:30pm
Mega Mart (1 Western Dr. Frederick, MD) 5pm-7pm
The Frederick Center (5 E 2nd St. Frederick MD) 5-6pm
For those who can’t make to any of these locations on Thursday, September 25th, the Health Department offers free Naloxone training every Friday at 1:00 PM at its officer at 350 Montevue Lane in Frederick. The Department can also schedule training for organizations or businesses in the use of Naloxone. Call 301-600-1777 for more information.
By Kevin McManus