New City, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day, Department of Mental Health’s Acting Commissioner Dr. Susan Hoerter, and Coordinator of Substance Abuse Services Janet Sliva have announced the implementation of the Leave-Behind Narcan Project. This initiative is a partnership with Rockland Paramedic Services aimed at addressing opioid overdose emergencies.
The Leave-Behind Narcan Program empowers Rockland Paramedic Services responders to provide a free Narcan kit to anyone at the scene of an emergency, whether it’s the patient, their family, friends, or bystanders who might be able to assist in future overdoses. In 2023, Rockland County experienced approximately 241 opioid overdoses, 40 of which were fatal.
“Last year we had 40 fatal overdoses in this county… Let that sink in,” said County Executive Ed Day. “Opioid abuse knows no boundaries, but we believe this new program will help us fight this crisis and save more lives.”
Narcan, an intranasal spray, is a life-saving intervention that reverses opioid overdoses by rapidly restoring normal breathing. It is often administered at home before emergency services arrive.
“Narcan saves lives. This program is another way Rockland County is working to get Narcan to its residents to prevent fatal overdoses,” explained County Mental Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Susan Hoerter. “Every fatal overdose that is prevented creates an opportunity for someone to pursue recovery and live their life to its full potential.”
Timothy P. Egan, EMT-P, Executive Director of Rockland Paramedic Services, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “As paramedics, we see the detrimental effects of overdoses each and every day. This program provides us with another opportunity to have a positive effect on people’s lives. Narcan saves lives every day, and this program is another tool Rockland County is using to improve the lives of its residents.”
The Narcan kit includes:
- Narcan (naloxone) intra-nasal spray, 4mg/0.1ml (2 doses)
- Instructions on administering Narcan
- A reference card for treatment and support services
- A QR code for obtaining additional free Narcan
- A booklet on preventing future overdoses
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, please call the Rockland Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependence (RCADD) at 845-215-9788 for support, referrals, or information.