COUDERSPORT — Cole Memorial Hospital has been named the sole “centralized coordinating entity” for the receipt and distribution of naloxone to law enforcement, first responders and medical professionals.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency made the selection.
Naloxone, also known as “Narcan,” is a prescription medicine used to rapidly reverse heroin and other opioid-related overdoses. Act 139 or David’s Law was enacted in 2014 to make naloxone available to law enforcement, first responders, medical professionals or other persons trained to assist an individual at-risk of experiencing an overdose.
Cole Memorial’s Director of Pharmacy Dr. Gary Malacarne, PharmD, presented the hospital’s CCE program to more than 15 judges, school administrators, members of law enforcement and human service agencies at the Potter County Criminal Justice Advisory Board last week. Intranasal naloxone kits were made available for the organizations in attendance after signing a proof of training to administer the medication in overdose emergency situations.
With opioids killing more people than any other health crisis in Pennsylvania’s modern history, Gov. Tom Wolf declared a disaster emergency on Jan. 10. Last year, Pennsylvania’s coroners and medical examiners reported more than 4,800 deaths as a result of drug abuse; with thousands more affected by addiction, either personally, or through family, friends and loved ones.
“We’re honored to assist with the distribution of naloxone to first responders in our county,” stated Valarie Jackson, vice president and executive director of Cole Memorial. “We have taken a serious stance to preserve life when possible through partnerships, health policy, prevention and education, as we’ve seen first-hand the implications of opioid abuse in our communities.”
Cole Memorial will host a meeting to review the program and its policies on the dissemination of naloxone provided by the commonwealth. Potter County first-responders and other agencies trained to respond and administer naloxone are invited to attend.
The meeting will take place at 1 p.m. Jan. 25 in Cole Memorial Hospital’s main conference room. For more information, please call 814-274-5314.
