Southwestern District Health Unit (SWDHU) and the Dickinson State University (DSU) Psychology Club had one goal: to empower DSU community members with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to opioid overdoses, potentially saving lives. With their collaboration, the Narcan training event held on April 3rd was a resounding success.
An impressive nearly 80 attendees, comprised mostly of DSU students, staff, and faculty, came to Beck Auditorium in DSU’s Klinefelter Hall for the opportunity to receive this important education. Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. With opioid overdose rates on the rise across the nation, initiatives like this training are crucial in equipping individuals with the tools to intervene in emergency situations.
Dr. Wendy Wilson, DSU psychology faculty and club advisor who spearheaded the event, expressed her gratitude for the DSU community's enthusiastic participation. "It's heartening to see such a strong response from our students, faculty, and staff. By educating ourselves and others about Narcan, we are taking proactive steps to combat the opioid crisis and ensure the safety and well-being of our fellow community members."
Participants of the training learned how to recognize the signs of opioid overdose, administer Narcan, and provide critical support until emergency services arrive. The interactive session provided attendees with hands-on experience and valuable insights into overdose prevention and response strategies. Participants were provided a Narcan kit at the conclusion of the training to take with them and keep on hand in the event of an emergency.
"We are immensely proud of the collaborative effort between Southwestern District Health Unit and Dickinson State University's Psychology Club," stated Karen Goyne of SWDHU. "Events like this underscore the power of community partnerships in addressing public health challenges. Together, we can make a significant impact on saving lives and fostering a healthier, safer community."
The success of this Narcan training event reflects the commitment of both organizations to proactive community engagement and public health education. SWDHU and DSU look forward to continuing their collaborative efforts in providing valuable resources and support to the community. In the near future, another Narcan training will be held on the DSU campus, open to the broader Dickinson community. Additional details regarding that event will be released later.
For more information about future events and initiatives, please visit dickinsonstate.edu/events.