Dublin VA works to break stigma, protect veterans with Narcan training
The event offered veterans Narcan kits, overdose education and crisis resources.
DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, thousands of people die from overdose in the United States each year. That’s why the Dublin VA Medical Center recognized Overdose Awareness Day on Thursday.
“We have a booth here at the VA to offer Narcan to our veterans,” Clinical pharmacist practitioner Maddie Pelham said. “And to also educate them on the signs and symptoms of overdose, and how to administer Narcan if somebody is having an overdose.”
She says the Narcan nasal spray is used in a fashion similar to seasonal allergy nasal spray, but they provided all the important info.
“How to use Narcan, how to refill it if they do have to use it on someone and they need a refill. And also, the crises line number for the VA. If someone’s in a crisis and they’re a veteran, they can call that number.”
Primary care mental health integration pharmacist Sara Jessup says this event can save lives and prevent future opioid overdoses.
“There seems to be just a stigma around overdose and opioid use, and so we’re trying to help break that stigma,” she said. “Because it really can happen to anyone. Opioid overdoses are more common than people realize, and it can happen to anyone. Kids can get into medicine cabinets on accident. A lot of drugs people may get on the streets are laced with things, and they have no idea. So, just letting people know the importance Narcan and they can save a life is why we’re doing what we’re doing today.”
PGY1 pharmacy resident Austin Seawright says the goal every year is to protect veterans, and that means educating them along the way.
“We have a lot of veterans’ prescriptions for narcotics and other medications that put them at risk of overdose,” Seawright said. “And just having those medications around increase the risk of overdose, so we’re trying to provide them with the tools they can use to prevent that.”
Retired navy veteran Mark Hales says the Dublin VA constantly makes veterans feel they’re not alone in their struggles.
“With veterans taking opioids like they do, it’s very accessible,” he said. “And a lot of them with PTSD sometimes feel like that’s the only solution, and I’m glad they’re spreading awareness, that there is another way out.”
If you or someone you know is interested the Narcan nasal spray, you can learn more on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
