January 13, 2022

Student pharmacists to benefit from free training session to recognize and respond to opioid overdose

Overdoses are escalating in Wayne County, with individuals from large urban communities being disproportionately affected. Student pharmacists are urged to prepare themselves to become a community responder to suspected opioid overdoses using naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray.

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Department of Pharmacy Practice is pleased to provide a virtual overdose naloxone training opportunity for students at no charge. There are five session dates to choose from:

• Monday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 20, 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 1, 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 3, 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 8, 5:30 p.m.

Provided by AmeriCorps community members, the training will cover the basics of identifying and responding to an opioid overdose, administering the reversal agent naloxone nasal spray, and performing hands-free CPR. Upon completion of the 45-minute session, participants will receive a certificate — which students should save for future reference — and a free naloxone overdose rescue kit. 

Student pharmacist registration  

"All student pharmacists are strongly encouraged to register for one of the five sessions," said Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice Victoria Tutag Lehr. "As future health care providers, please take this basic step and prepare yourself to respond to overdoses within our community." 

For those who are interested but not part of the WSU Applebaum Doctor of Pharmacy program, AmeriCorps offers virtual training sessions to the general public each Wednesday. Visit their website for times and to sign up.

AmeriCorps also works with groups to schedule private training sessions like those scheduled for pharmacy students. Write to AmeriCorps' Parker Tomkinson for more information.

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