Montgomery County is taking a novel approach to fighting the epidemic of opioid overdoses, by offering free, open-to-the-public training on use of naloxone, a drug that can safely reverse the effects of an overdose. According to a recent news release, three training sessions will be offered in June:
Tuesday, June 5 1 to 3 p.m. Department of Health and Human Services 401 Hungerford Drive, 1st floor conference room
Rockville
Tuesday, June 12 10 a.m. to 12 noon Westfield South Building 11002 Veirs Mill Road, 7th floor conference room
Wheaton
Tuesday, June 26 5 to 7 p.m. Department of Health and Human Services
401 Hungerford Drive, 1st floor conference room
Rockville
The training sessions are free of charge; interested participants must call or email to register: OverdoseResponseProgram@montgomerycountymd.gov, or 240-777-1836.
Participants who successfully complete the training will receive free Naloxone kits. The training initiative is part of the Maryland Overdose Response Program (ORP), an innovative, community-focused effort to equip families and individuals with lifesaving knowledge and tools. Under the ORP, Naloxone is offered without a prescription at most pharmacies, which means that family members of individuals at risk for overdose can be prepared to intervene in the event of an overdose.
DSFederal is also focused on new approaches to the opioid crisis, with a specific concentration on prevention through use of data. In December 2017, a team of DSFederal data scientists and developers participated in the 24-hour HHS Opioid Code-a-Thon, and although our team was not among the finalists, they came away from the competition with the nucleus of a flexible and cloud-based solution, offering a predictive model that will help medical professionals develop lasting and effective treatments for addiction.
The opioid crisis has cost thousands of lives, destroyed many families, and caused untold misery for so many Americans. We are hopeful that determined focus on innovation and willingness to try new ideas and approaches will bring an end to this national crisis.
rive, 1st floor conference room
Rockville