Rockland establishes Leave-Behind Narcan Project amid opioid overdoses

Rockland County  officials have announce the implementation of Leave-Behind Narcan Project, a partnership response with Rockland Paramedic Services to opioid overdose calls received by emergency services.

The Leave Behind Narcan Program enables Rockland Paramedic Services emergency responders to leave behind a free Narcan kit with any member of the public when on scene for an emergency, including a patient, their family or friends, or anyone on scene who could assist in a future overdose. In 2023, there were about 241 opioid overdoses in Rockland County, 40 of which were fatal.

“Last year we had 40 fatal overdoses in this county … Let that sink in,” County Executive Ed Day stated. “Opioid abuse knows no boundaries, but we believe this new program will help us fight this crisis and save more lives.”

Narcan is a life-saving intervention that reverses opioid overdoses and is often administered in the home, even before emergency services arrives. Narcan is delivered as an intranasal spray and by rapidly reversing the opioid overdose, it also helps restore normal breathing.

“Narcan saves lives. This program is another way Rockland County is working to get Narcan to its residents to prevent fatal overdoses,” County Mental Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Susan Hoerter stated. “Every fatal overdose that is prevented creates an opportunity for someone to pursue recovery and live their life to its full potential.”

The Narcan kit includes Narcan (naloxone) intra-nasal spray, 4mg/0.1ml (2 doses), information on how to administer Narcan, a reference card on how to find treatment and support, a QR code on how to obtain additional Narcan for free, and a booklet on how to prevent future overdoses.

“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,” stated Timothy P. Egan, EMT-P, executive director of Rockland Paramedic Services. “Narcan saves lives every day, and this program is another tool Rockland County is using to improve the lives of its residents.”

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, call the Rockland Council on Alcoholism and other Drug Dependence (RCADD) at 845-215-9788 for support, referrals or information.