Narcan overdose prevention kits are provided to any individual who receives overdose treatment from Vancouver first responders
VANCOUVER – To better assist with the public health crisis of opioid use, the Vancouver Fire Department has launched a new leave-behind Narcan program. Effective May 1, Narcan overdose prevention kits are provided to any individual who receives overdose treatment from Vancouver first responders.
“The number of emergency medical calls we respond to is skyrocketing with the current opioid crisis,” said Emergency Medical Services Division Chief Robb Milano. “VFD crews administered Narcan 342 times in 2022 and almost doubled to 583 in 2023. Providing this easy-to-use and reliable kit to those at risk of repeat overdose will undoubtedly help us save more lives.”
Since implementing the program, Vancouver Fire has left behind Narcan kits 25 times. This program was made possible thanks to the Washington State Department of Health, which covers the cost and provides one-for-one replacement of Narcan kits to the department on an ongoing basis. The program helps provide community members with a safe, easy-to-use option to prevent an overdose before responders arrive.
The use of deadly drugs, including fentanyl, continues to grow in Vancouver. Overdose deaths in the unsheltered population were a key factor behind the City’s homelessness state of emergency declared in Nov. 2023. From January through April, Vancouver Fire responded to 696 medical/EMS calls related to homelessness. While not all deaths can be attributed to overdose, 18 community members experiencing unsheltered homelessness have died since Dec. 2023 – representing a 50% increase from last year.
The city remains committed to providing rapid response and high-quality care to the community and is collaborating closely with state and county public health partners to address the opioid crisis. Narcan is a safe, legal and life-saving medicine that anyone can use. The public can learn where to access free Narcan and how to use it on Clark County Public Health’s website.
Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.
Also read:
- Signatures delivered to City Hall from Save Vancouver Streets campaign
Save Vancouver Streets delivered over 6,500 signatures to City Hall, aiming to ensure public input on traffic lane removal. - Vancouver Police planning for election weekVancouver Police are increasing staffing and preparing for election week to ensure public safety and support lawful assembly.
- Election day stress weighing on you? Recent studies suggest you’re not aloneWith the upcoming election, many voters are experiencing stress and anxiety, as highlighted in a recent report by the American Psychological Association.
- Opinion: Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund dodged a Boeing-size bulletElizabeth New (Hovde) discusses the implications of the Boeing strike and the push for unemployment insurance for striking workers in Washington stat
- Amazon founder dodges $1.2B in WA capital gains taxes in 2024 after latest stock saleJeff Bezos avoids significant capital gains taxes in Washington by selling shares after relocating to Florida.
- Clark County Jail Services’ statement regarding release of inmateClark County Jail Services erroneously released inmate Maurice Xavier Haynes.
- Clark College 9th Annual Fall Choral Festival to be held Nov. 15
The Clark College 9th Annual Fall Choral Festival on Nov. 15 will showcase performances from local middle and high school choirs.
wpDiscuz
