Monongalia County QRT seeks volunteers, donations for Save a Life Day
Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Save a Life Day on Saturday, Sept. 25, members of the Monongalia County Quick Response Team (QRT) will be teaching naloxone administration to anyone interested. They will also give away free applications of the medication, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
About 12 stations staffed with around eight volunteers each will be set up at locations around Monongalia County. Anyone interested in learning more about naloxone is encouraged to stop at one of the stations, which will be in operation from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The idea is to educate as many people on overdose,” said Jon Dower, director of operations of West Virginia Sober Living and a member of the Monongalia County QRT. “There is the potential that lay people can come to a site where someone is misusing a substance and literally save a life by administering naloxone.”
“I believe naloxone should be in every first aid kit and every medicine cabinet,” Dower added. “Individuals should know the warning signs of what an opiate overdose looks like and know how to respond to an overdose.”
More information about all the locations will be released closer to the event date. Volunteers also will hold up signs to alert drivers and pedestrians to naloxone stations.
Sponsors who donate at least $200 will get their logo on a T-shirt. And while Pepsi, Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks have offered water, coffee and doughnuts, additional food and beverages for volunteers also would be welcome.
Dozens of volunteers have committed to working during the event, but community members who would like to help out are encouraged to sign up. All volunteers will take a “train the trainer” course to learn how to administer naloxone.
Anyone who wants to donate a location, time or funds can call WV PEERS at 304-602-3305.
For up-to-date information on health and wellness in Monongalia County, check out monchd.org and follow the health department on Facebook and Twitter @WVMCHD and on Instagram at #wvmchd.