'Save that life' Hollister leaders encouraging others to get Narcan
The growing opioid crisis on the Central Coast was highlighted Monday night after Hollister police responded to two opioid overdoses in the same night.
Fortunately, both people survived after police administered six doses of Narcan, the nasal spray that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
“Opioids are a serious issue here in our community and this is something that we can do to minimize their impact,” said Nic Calvin, deputy director for the San Benito County Health Department.
That's why county health leaders are again raising awareness about Narcan and encouraging people to get it. It could be a lifesaver as the opioid crisis continues to take more lives.
In San Benito County, 10 deaths have so far been attributed to opioids in 2021, another five deaths are pending final autopsy reports. Nine people died from the drug in 2020. Adding to the problem are street drugs that are laced with fentanyl.
“So all the more reason why we need things like the Narcan out in the community so people can access them and utilize them in emergency situations like that, so that you can actually save that life in the moment and get the person the help that they need,” said Mary White, a pharmacist with the county health department.
Since the health department started giving away Narcan in 2018, more than 1,500 doses of the nasal spray have been given out.
If you need Narcan, it's available at your local drug store, at the San Benito County Health Department or online at Nextdistro. In all cases it’s available for free.