Local agencies get Narcan kits

The Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office and Newport Police Department have acquired a new tool to help save lives when encountering those that abuse heroin and other opiates in the area.

Law enforcement officers, who are often the first to arrive on scene, will now have access to the overdose reversal drug (Naloxone) Narcan. When administered, nasal Narcan can reverse the effects of an opiate overdose, potentially saving the life of the victim.

In recent years, heroin and opiate related overdoses and deaths have increased significantly nationwide. In response to this problem, Tri County Health, the Newport Police Department and the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office have partnered in a joint effort to help save lives.

“We would like to thank Molly Corvino and Tri-County Health for securing funding for this project through the University of Washington Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute (ADAI) Center for Opioid Overdose Education,” Pend Oreille County Sheriff Alan Botzheim said.