Free Overdose-Reversal Kits and Training on Sept. 28

People in Central Indiana will be better equipped to reverse an opiod overdose thanks to a naloxone giveaway and training available throughout Indianapolis on Sept. 28, 2018.

Indiana University Health and Indiana University Health Foundation have partnered with Indiana University, Overdose Lifeline and the Indianapolis Public Library to host naloxone training and distribution sessions at IUPUI and four Indianapolis public library branches.

Free intranasal kits containing the drug naloxone will be handed out to the first 1,000 attendees across all locations. Naloxone is often called by its brand name, Narcan, and can be administered by anyone.

Attendees at the sessions will learn how to identify signs of overdose and how to administer the drug. Training takes approximately 20 minutes. IUPUI will also host a panel of experts who will discuss the ongoing crisis and address the stigma surrounding addiction.

The schedule for the Sept. 28 events is:

  • 8 am: panel discussion at Hine Hall, IUPUI, 875 W. North St.
  • 9 am and 10 am: naxolone distribution and training, at Hine Hall, IUPUI, 875 W. North St.
  • Starting at 9 am and continuing every 40 minutes: naxolone distribution and training at four library branches:
    • Decatur, 5301 Kentucky Avenue
    • Glendale, 6101 North Keystone Avenue
    • Haughville, 2121 West Michigan Street
    • Irvington, 5625 East Washington

Reservations are not necessary, but can be made via Eventbrite.

“Responding to the addictions crisis” is the third of Indiana University’s Grand Challenges initiatives, which bring together community partners and IU researchers to solve Indiana’s biggest problems. The $50 million project aims to prevent and reduce addictions in Indiana, in part by educating Hoosiers on the causes and consequences of addiction, and by offering tangible solutions that will stem the flow of opiates through our communities and reduce the deadly impact of these drugs. 

For more information about how you can contribute to fight the opioid epidemic and other health concerns, visit iuhealthfoundation.org.