More than 100 people attended a Saratoga County Department of Health Naloxone Kit giveaway last weekend, equipping residents with resources needed to prevent and respond to opioid overdoses.
This giveaway came as the County saw 10 overdoses in a 7 day stretch in January, and already in 2023 three people have died from suspected opioid overdoses.
Amongst other resources, each of the kits given away contained two doses of NARCAN, which officials say have made a difference.
"They're life saving," Saratoga County Commissioner of Health Dr. Daniel Kuhles says. "One analogy we've talked about is like with CPR or an AED, NARCAN and 911 can be difference between life and death."
The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office says in 2022, 10 people died from opioid overdoses in Saratoga County, down from 13 in 2021. They say the County's work to put NARCAN in residents hands was likely a factor in that decrease.
"Sometimes the hardest step is reaching out for help, and we want to make sure people know where they can ask for help," Dr. Kuhles says.
The Health Department says they have resources available, so residents are encouraged to call 518-584-7460 if they have any questions or are interested in picking some up. Other than NARCAN, they also include information regarding the Good Samaritan Law, meant to protect people from legal action when reporting an overdose.
"I think traditionally people have been very fearful to call the police or 911 when they’re using illegal drugs," Saratoga County Sheriff Captain Daniel Morley says. "In the past it's caused problems with people not getting medical assistance that they would’ve gotten normally if they had just called 911."
MORE: Saratoga County to distribute overdose kits, provide training
Dr. Kuhles says knowing the protection of the Good Samaritan Law can save lives.
"It's a normal human reaction to be hesitant about having law enforcement come to something you consider to be illegal," Dr Kuhles says. "The Good Samaritan Law protects individuals when they call 911 to report an overdose. It really is the difference between life and death."
Health professionals say when experiencing an overdose a person may appear lethargic with cold, clammy skin. Their pupils will also look like a pinpoint, while making a gurgling sound from their mouth, with blue around the lips.
"I have no doubt we can overcome this here in Saratoga County with partnerships, support with community based organizations and to minimize overdoses and addiction in our community," Dr. Kuhles says.