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Phoenix Union to Host Fentanyl Awareness Tele-Town Hall and Roundtable with Mayor Gallego and Community Partners
Thursday, May 18 at 6:00 PM
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English Live Stream
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The Phoenix Union High School District (PXU), in collaboration with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Arizona Senator Christine Marsh, health experts, special guests, and community partners, will host a Tele-Town Hall and roundtable discussion about the fentanyl and opioid epidemic in our community.
The impact of fentanyl reaches far beyond our local public schools. This event is open to all members of the community, students of all ages, and families. The roundtable discussion will feature experts and local leaders who will provide first-hand accounts of the epidemic’s impact on families, highlight steps being taken to confront the problem, and discuss ways in which families can protect their households.
The District will host a live audience at 4502 N. Central Ave., and following the program, free doses of Narcan rescue medication will be available for those wishing to get trained on its administration.
The livestream link will be available on this page 15 minutes prior to the start of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is Naloxone?
Naloxone, also known as Narcan®, is a rescue medication that can save lives quickly by reversing opioid overdoses, including fentanyl. Narcan® can be sprayed up the nose, or injected into the muscle, blocking the opioids off brain receptors, and restoring normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breathing is slow, or is not breathing, because of an opioid overdose. More than one dose of Narcan® may be required when stronger opioids like fentanyl are involved.
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Is Narcan® safe to use?
Narcan® will only work if a person has opioids in their system and is safe to use. Narcan® cannot cause any harm to someone if they are not overdosing. Narcan® has very little side effects but if it is administered to someone who is dependent on opioids it can cause the body to go into opioid withdrawal. Withdrawal from opioids can cause the person to be agitated when they wake up, which is another reason to call 911 if you suspect an overdose. If the person is not overdosing on opioids or overdosing at all, Narcan® is still safe to use and will not affect the person. When in doubt, save a life and administer Narcan® if overdose signs are present.
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Who can administer Narcan®?
Anyone can save a life during an opioid overdose with Narcan®, a front-line defense in the nation’s overdose crisis. Under A.R.S. § 36-2267, any person may administer an opioid antagonist, like naloxone, to a person who is experiencing an opioid-related overdose. The statute further states, "A person who does this in good faith and without compensation is not liable for any civil or other damages as the result of the act.” It is strongly recommended that Narcan® be administered to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose and should be used whenever an opioid overdose is suspected.
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Who should carry Narcan®?
Anybody using drugs could be at risk for an overdose. If you, your friends, or loved ones use drugs, or take prescription opioid medications, Narcan® is the rescue medication that can help reverse an overdose. Carrying Narcan® does not increase drug use, it only saves the lives of those who could overdose on opioids. Narcan® should be immediately accessible to family members and friends of people at risk of opioid overdose, first responders, healthcare providers, and schools.
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Could talking about Narcan® encourage a teenager to use drugs or suggest that parents think it is okay to use drugs?
Families that openly talk to their teenagers about drugs have a lower chance of becoming addicted to substances later in life. Parents have a significant influence in their children’s decisions to experiment with alcohol and other drugs and the more education someone is given, the more likely they will make better decisions when it comes to drug use. The reality is, providing children and teens education, knowledge and resources may save a life and prevent future abuse.
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Where is Narcan® available and how do I get trained?
Everyone should become familiar with the signs of an overdose, know how to administer Narcan®, and other actions to take if someone is overdosing. If you know someone who uses substances, struggles with substance use disorders, or is prescribed opioids for chronic pain you should be trained and have a Narcan® kit available. Patients can receive Narcan® prescriptions through their medical providers and the public can now purchase Narcan® from any pharmacy without a prescription.
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The following local organizations have made maps of places people can access Narcan® for free:
- Sonoran Prevention Works: spwaz.org/arizonanaloxone/
- Substance Abuse Coalition Leaders of Arizona: naloxoneaz.com/
- Terros: https://www.terroshealth.org/narcan/
- Sonoran Prevention Works: spwaz.org/arizonanaloxone/
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There are several resources where people can learn to spot overdoses and get trained to use Narcan® for free, including:
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What opioid information and helpful resources are available?
- Opioid Assistance and Referral Line (OAR): 1-888-688-4222
- SAMSHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Teen Lifeline: 1-800-248-TEEN (8336)
- Northern Arizona Crisis Line: 1-877-756-4090
- Opioid Assistance and Referral Line (OAR): 1-888-688-4222