Lessons in Life-Saving with Naloxone
Sharon Cabrera, Substance Use Prevention Coordinator with the Kane County Health Department (KCHD) recently visited the Kane County Government Center to teach a 30-minute class on spotting signs of an overdose, using a life-saving medicine called naloxone, and getting medical help afterwards.
KCHD gives naloxone to organizations and people in the community and teaches them how to deal with opioid overdoses. Here are some things you'll learn:
- What naloxone is.
- Which drugs naloxone works against.
- How to tell if someone is overdosing.
- How to use naloxone.
- What to do if naloxone doesn't work.
In 2022, there were 3,261 deaths from opioid overdoses in Illinois. That's over 8% more than in 2021 and a huge 3,341% increase since 2013. 
The opioid crisis has been causing a lot of damage to communities and families across the U.S. for the past 10 years. In 2017, it was officially declared a public health emergency because it was so serious. It takes more than 187 lives every day. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, things have gotten even worse, with more people struggling with alcohol and drugs and having worse mental health. (source: FCC)
To connect with the Kane County Health Department for in-person training or to pick-up Naloxone CLICK HERE.
