Recognizing and Responding to Opioid Overdose

Session Description

The Hawaii Opioid Summary, published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, determined that opioid-related deaths in Hawaii increased from 59 to 274, or 364%, from 2018 to 2020 (NIDA). As overdose rates continue to rise, individuals are encouraged to prepare themselves with the training and confidence they need to respond to an overdose situation quickly.

Naloxone, commonly known by its trade name Narcan, is a nasal spray medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose rapidly. In medical emergencies, every minute counts. The immediate effect of naloxone makes it a powerful tool for individuals who are witnessing an opioid overdose.

Studies have shown that naloxone training programs are effective in improving knowledge about overdose recognition and the use of naloxone (Beauchamp, 2021). In addition to equipping community members with the necessary training and confidence to respond, Narcan workshops also play a vital role in reducing the stigma associated with opioid addiction.

This course intends to help meet the increasing need for naloxone training for individuals who work in nonprofit community health and human services. It will provide fundamental information about opioids, their use, and misuse. Key indicators of overdose and how to respond to an overdose situation, including the administration of naloxone, will be discussed.

References:
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Hawaii Opioid Summary. (n.d.). https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/21954-hawaii-opioid-summary.pdf

Presenter(s)

Meryl Hooker
Learning Design and Technology
Kahului, HI; Kailua, HI, USA

Meryl Hooker is currently a M.Ed. student at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa in the Learning Design and Technology (LTEC) department. She is particularly interested in helping nonprofit social service and community health organizations utilize instructional design models and adult learning theories to provide innovative, relevant, and engaging professional development opportunities. Meryl holds a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design and a B.A. in American Studies from The George Washington University. She is a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) with the Project Management Institute (PMI).