In light of the nationwide opioid crisis, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams is hosting of a series of boroughwide free overdose prevention trainings that teach Brooklynites how to save lives.
Adams said on Tuesday that he will redouble his partnership with the Brooklyn Alcoholism and Addictive Services Council (BAASC), New York City Police Department (NYPD), Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) in offering free trainings to be held on select dates at Brooklyn Borough Hall, BPL branches and community centers throughout the borough.
The trainings will start on March 21.
Adams said participants will be trained on how to recognize and reverse an overdose and restore breathing using the lifesaving medication naloxone; learn how to become a certified opioid overdose responder; and receive a free overdose rescue kit with naloxone.
According to data compiled by the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) and the DOHMH Bureau of Vital Statistics, in 2017 there were 359 overdose deaths in Brooklyn involving an opioid, the second highest total of the five boroughs.
Bedford-Stuyvesant/Crown Heights, East New York, Coney Island, Downtown/Brooklyn Heights/Park Slope, and Bensonhurst/Bay Ridge were the most severely impacted neighborhoods.
“Naloxone trainings play a critical role in increasing access to this life-saving intervention,” Adams said. “Opioid addiction is a community crisis, and we must have a community response.
“These trainings are literally expanding the opportunity to save lives, and I thank our partners and all who will participate for their willingness to take on this mission,” he added.
Anyone interested in attending one of Adams’ free overdose prevention trainings can call (718) 802-4299 or visit brook
