Buffalo Scoop

Spectrum Health to offer free Narcan training 

Jan 8, 2025 | Events

Knowing how to properly administer Narcan can help save lives.

Staff from Spectrum Health’s Medication Assisted Treatment Team will once again offer free training on the use of Narcan (naloxone) in the West Seneca Community Center & Library, 1300 Union Road, on the second Friday of each month, beginning Jan. 10, from noon to 3 p.m.

Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Knowing how to properly administer Narcan to someone who may have accidentally over-used a prescription pain medication or who used a street drug that was laced with a powerful additive can help save lives. The training takes only two minutes.

“Over the past three years, our team has distributed hundreds of Narcan kits from our monthly visits to the Community Center,” said Ann Bowback, director of Spectrum Health’s Medication Assisted Treatment program. “Thanks to the Town of West Seneca, we know that lives were saved in the community because of this partnership.”

Anyone who completes the Narcan training will also receive a free Narcan kit, courtesy of the Erie County Department of Health. Staff will also share information on Spectrum Health services and other community resources. Narcan is an important first aid tool; just like keeping bandages and medicated ointment on hand, knowing how to administer Narcan and having a dose available is a good proactive measure.

Spectrum Health also operates a full-service counseling center at 326 Orchard Park Road in West Seneca.

Spectrum Health and Human Services provides mental health, addiction, rehabilitation, care coordination, housing and crisis services in locations throughout Western New York. Founded in 1973, it is also a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC). Visit www.shswny.org for more information.