Angels Camp, CA…Through collaboration and community partnerships, educators and school staff professionals are receiving essential opioid overdose training. Calaveras County Public Health has provided Opioid Overdose Prevention Trainings to ten Calaveras County schools and over 100 school staff. Haley Graham and Quincy Dyson cover the facts, statistics, signs, and preventive steps in the event of an opioid overdose. The Opioid Overdose Prevention Training meets E.C. § 49414.3 and California Department of Public Health and the California School Nurses Organization training standards. Training includes hands on demonstrations, a ‘test your knowledge’ quiz exercise, and each trainee is given a prevention kit that includes: Narcan Nasal Spray (2 pack), Fentanyl test kit, gloves, and face shield for CPR.

According to the California Opioid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard, the rate of opioid overdoses in Calaveras were four times higher in 2021 compared to 2020. Calaveras County Health Officer, Dr. Rene Ramirez reminds everyone, “It’s important to be mindful of the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose because it can happen to anyone. If you suspect an opioid overdose, administer naloxone and call 9-1-1 immediately.” Dr. Ramirez adds, “Talk to your friends and family members to make sure that if they are using opioids, it is important to carry naloxone.”

Instructions on how to properly recognize and respond to an opioid overdose can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Stop Overdose” webpage. More information on opioid prevention in California can be found on the CDPH Opioid Prevention Initiative webpage.