Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone)

How to administer Naloxone

The Fairfield County Health Department is part of the Project DAWN opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution network of programs coordinated by the Ohio Department of Health.

Naloxone (commonly known as NARCAN®) is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (heroin, illicit fentanyl, or prescription pain medications). When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restores breathing. Naloxone has been used safely by emergency medical professionals for more than 40 years and has only one critical function: to prevent overdose death by reversing the effects of opioids. Naloxone is a safe, non-controlled drug and has no potential for abuse.

If naloxone is given to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, it is harmless. If naloxone is administered to a person who is dependent on opioids, it will produce withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal, although uncomfortable, is not life-threatening.

Naloxone can be administered by trained laypersons, which can be helpful if a friend, family member, or other bystander witnesses a person overdosing.

FCHD distributes Naloxone and provides overdose prevention education and training to individuals and organizations throughout Fairfield County.

If you are interested in receiving a free Project DAWN Naloxone kit, or would like to schedule a free training for your organization, please contact Megan Baker, BS, RA.

RESOURCES:

• • To learn more about the OH Against OD initiative, myths and facts of SUD, and about the Good Samaritan Law.
• • Learn more about the stigma of substance use disorders and how to address stigma.
• • For more information about Project DAWN and what naloxone is, fentanyl test strips, and other recourses, visit the ODH Project DAWN website.
• • The latest overdose data for Fairfield County.
• • The FCHD works on the Fairfield County P.A.R.T. (Prevention, Addiction, Recovery, Treatment) coalition which has been created by the Fairfield County ADAMH Board.
• • FCHD also works closely with the Fairfield County Project F.O.R.T. and the first responders throughout the county.
• • FCHD provides naloxone to the OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital in case of an opioid overdose emergency.