Free Narcan Training Lubbock: Save Lives With A Free Kit

Attention Lubbock: Interested in saving lives? The city is notifying all residents of the upcoming Narcan training course in March. Each attendee will receive a free Narcan kit and instructions on how to administer life-saving treatment to overdose victims.

Where and When is the Training Course?

The free event, hosted by Lubbock Public Health's Prevention Resource Center in partnership with Central Plains Center, will take place at 2015 50th St. at the Lubbock Public Health building.

Doors open for the training course at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, according to the City of Lubbock website.

Learn What Narcan Is and How to Administer It

This event is meant to train citizens and educate members of the community in recognizing signs of opioid overdoses as well as how to respond effectively as a bystander.

Each participant will also receive a free Naloxone (Narcan) kit to hold on to until it is needed.

What is Naloxone (Narcan)?

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medicine that attaches to opioid receptors and reverses the effects of an overdose. It should only be administered during an active overdose and will immediately restore the person to normal breathing if it has stopped or slowed.

Naloxone can be given via a nasal spray or as an injection directly into the muscle.

You can read more about Naloxone drug facts from the National Institute on Drug Abuse web page.

Telltale Signs of Opioid Overdose

Opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, Vicodin, codeine, and morphine, often require only small amounts to lead to overdose, depending on the person. If you see a known opioid user frequently nodding out, slurring their speech, experiencing droopy muscles, or their pupils are clearly smaller than normal, they may be on the road to an overdose.

Common signs of an active overdose include the following:

Loss of consciousness
Being awake but unable to speak
Having slowed or nonexistent breathing
Having slowed or nonexistent heartbeat
Choking or making gurgling noises
Having a limp body
Having a pale or clammy face
Having blue fingernails and lips

If you witness any of these signs in a known opioid user, you should take the proper actions like calling 911 or administering Narcan.

Exotic Animals You Can Legally Own in Texas

Texas has an estimated 7.2 million dogs, more than any other state. But perhaps you’re interested in branching out a bit and adding a less common exotic pet to your home.

Granted a few of these exotics are regulated and will require permits.