Another Narcan Night set for Oct. 24

Island County’s opioid outreach team is hosting Narcan Night 6 p.m., Oct. 24 at Oak Harbor Library to discuss warning signs of overdose, how to properly store and dispose of prescription medication, treatment for opioid addiction and what to do in a crisis.

The first Narcan Night was on South Whidbey. Those who missed it are invited to travel north for the program.

A key part of a crisis response is having Narcan, a brand name for naloxone, which can counter the effects of opioid overdose. It’s administered through a nasal spray and is considered safe.

The medication will be handed out at the event, and naloxone is also available to anyone through a pharmacy by a standing order from the state health officer. It is covered by most health insurance plans, and Washington residents covered by the state’s Medicaid program can obtain naloxone at no cost.

Narcan Night, which is slated to last about an hour, is also aimed at diminishing the stigma around addiction and discussing the pervasiveness of the problem in the county. An official from the county behavioral health office, the county public health nurse and an Island County Sheriff’s Office deputy will speak on the effects of the crisis on the community.