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The will start distributing naloxone to the community starting this fall.
County health officials will distribute 250 kits of the opioid overdose reversal medication known as Narcan thanks to a $75,000 state grant.
Anyone can obtain a life-saving kit for free, said Geauga鈥檚 Director of Nursing, Christine Wyers.
鈥淏eing in Geauga County, we have many areas that are very rural,鈥� said Wyers. 鈥淪o, having the kits in the hands of somebody that's close by whether it's a family member whether it's a friend, those minutes can help save that person's life.鈥�
The county is also working with community groups to identify the best candidates to recieve a kit, which consists of two nasal doses of naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medicine, plus gloves and a face mask. Those who get a kit will also receive training, Wyers says.
鈥淓verybody has the opportunity to intervene in a situation as they see it happen,鈥� said Wyers. "Having a little bit of training to know how to respond really can make the difference because medical providers can't be everywhere. We don't have enough to be at all places at all times鈥� In many of these situations, time is of the essence.鈥�
Geauga County 's overdose rate between 2012 and 2017 was 21 per 100,000 people, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
