ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Today, the Placer-Nevada Rx Drug Safety Coalition celebrates a major milestone in their fight against the opioid crisis in Northern California.
In 2018, the physician-led coalition was able to administer over 100 Naloxone overdose reversals in Placer and Nevada Counties. Members from the coalition, local first responders and local political leaders are hosting a conference in Roseville on Monday to detail the impact this program has had on the community.
Since 2016, the coalition has provided local law enforcement with Naloxone kits that are being used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. The kits have been distributed at no cost to various community organizations, thanks to grant funding from the California Health Care Foundation and Aegis Treatment Centers.
"I think every officer has stories where they come across somebody who is experiencing an overdose, but we didn't have the medication prior to this." Sgt. Jeff Beigh, Roseville Police Department, said.
Every day in the U.S., there are over 130 deaths from opioid-related overdoses, with thousands in Northern California afflicted with opioid-use disorders. However, Beigh believes educating the public about taking action and the importance of Naloxone can save many lives.
"With the distribution of kits to the local community, and the work of local leaders and coalition members, we are making a difference in the fight to end the opioid epidemic in Placer and Nevada Counties,” Quinn Gregory, Executive Director for Placer-Nevada Rx Drug Safety Coalition, said.
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