Neighborhood to get life-saving Narcan lesson

November 12, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Interested concerned citizens may receive some free instruction on recognizing the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose Thursday night at the county complex starting at 6 p.m.

The DeKalb Prevention Coalition will host a Community Naloxone (NARCAN) training session conducted by Tommy and Suzanne Angel, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists for the State of Tennessee Region 3 North.

If you plan to attend come through the UT entrance and it will be right down the hall on the left just across from the Prevention office. Everyone is welcome.   All attendees will receive a free Narcan kit.

Naloxone or Narcan Nasal Spray is recommended for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. It has been proven to be an extremely effective medication that stops opioid overdoses and saves lives.. It can be sprayed into the nose of a person who has overdosed and it usually takes about two minutes to work. After administering Narcan to someone who has overdosed, the person will regain consciousness.

During Thursday night’s training, participants will be taught what to look for and how to react in the event they should encounter a friend, loved one, or stranger experiencing an opioid overdose.

“We are actually training them on Naloxone administration and we have overdose reversal kits for anyone who would like them,” said Suzanne Angel.

“We are always concerned for the number of lives lost across the state due to accidental overdose. It is the number one cause of death among people under the age of 50 and it kills about 130 people a day. It kills more people than motor vehicle accidents and homicides combined and its killed more people in the last two years than died in the Vietnam War, “ Angel continued.

Angel encourages more people to get the Nalaxone training and the kits to be able to help someone if necessary.

“We can train anyone. It (Narcan) is available paid for by insurance. Physicians can provide it. Collaborative pharmacies sell it and bill insurance for it or you can go through the state program called the Tennessee Save a Life Program. Its free to participants and the kits are free,” added Angel.

“It’s simple to administer because what we have in our kits is a nasal spray so you don’t have to know how to give a shot or injection. It’s really simple but we do have a training to make sure everybody feels comfortable and knows what to do. And the Good Samaritan law in Tennessee protects anyone from any civil liability,” Angel said.

“Remember it (Narcan) only works for an opioid overdose although it won’t hurt anyone else who may have overdosed on something else such as alcohol or an anti-anxiety medicine. No matter what the situation always call 911 if you suspect an overdose or are not sure what’s wrong with them,” said Angel.

“Narcan is an emergency response to a medical life and death situation. It’s not a cure for addiction but you can’t get better if you are not breathing,” Angel concluded.

November 12, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

DCHS is among 74 Tennessee high schools leading the way in the state to become the first to receive a pathways certification from the Tennessee Department of Education.

Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn made the announcement last week.

This certification recognizes strong alignment between high school programs of study offered, postsecondary partners, and high-quality employment opportunities in their region. DCHS was recognized for excelling it its Health Science Pathway.

The department launched the Tennessee Pathways Certification as the K-12 initiative under Tennessee’s Drive to 55 to elevate and celebrate model college and career pathways throughout the state.

“These communities are working together to provide students with the skills they need to succeed beyond high school,” Schwinn said. “Earlier last week, we unveiled the department’s strategic plan, which emphasizes providing quality academic programs, serving the whole child, and developing and supporting our teachers and leaders to ensure that every student is on a path to success. Schools across the state are making this a reality through the Pathways program. I am excited that we are able to recognize their efforts and encourage others to follow their lead.”

Tennessee Pathways is structured around three key elements shown to increase seamless enrollment and success in postsecondary programs:

1. High-quality college and career advisement throughout K-12;
2. Rigorous early postsecondary and work-based learning opportunities in high school; and
3. Seamless vertical alignment between K-12, postsecondary programs, and career opportunities as a result of effective partnerships among school districts, higher education institutions, employers, and community organizations.

These Certified Tennessee Pathways are providing students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences that lead to in-demand careers. Each pathway was evaluated through a rigorous application process in which schools detailed their postsecondary and employer partnerships, early college and career experiences, and structures for providing students with high-quality career advisement.

All schools serving grades 9-12 in Tennessee were eligible to apply; however, it was encouraged that applicants bridge programming to elementary and middle schools within their school system. More than 400 applications were submitted from 81 school districts across the state. After a comprehensive review, a total of 122 pathways representing 74 high schools received the Tennessee Pathways Certification.

The recipients of the Tennessee Pathways Certification were recognized by Commissioner Schwinn and Chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, Dr. Flora Tydings, at a formal recognition ceremony during the LEAD Conference.

November 12, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

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