Monterey, CA, August 28, 2023 – Community Human Services (CHS) gave out over 400 Narcan kits at the West End Celebration last weekend in Sand City. So many eventgoers asked about Narcan, CHS is offering another way for the community to pick up Narcan. Narcan, or naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray, is a life-saving medication that reverses an opioid overdose from heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioid medications.
“So many people came up to our booth at West End, asking how they could get Narcan; after we handed out all the Narcan we had, we felt we had to provide another way to get Narcan into the community for free. We are trying to make it as easy as possible – on your lunch hour, just drive up to pick some up,” said Robin McCrae, Chief Executive Officer of Community Human Services. CHS operates four drug treatment programs that address opioid dependence – Genesis House, Off Main Clinic, and two Outpatient Drug Treatment Centers.
What: FREE NARCAN DRIVE THRU EVENT
WHEN: Thursday, August 31st, from 11 am – 1 pm
Where: Off-Main Clinic – 1083 South Main St., Salinas, CA 93901
WHY: August 31 – National Overdose Awareness Day
In 2018, Monterey County had the second-lowest opioid-related death rate of any county in California. Fatal overdoses from opioids have increased eightfold since 2018, with 65 opioid-related deaths in 2020 and 2021, prompting the medical community, community-based organizations, and families to step up their efforts in battling the opioid crisis and ask the community for help. CHS is answering the call with a free Narcan kit DRIVE THRU EVENT at Off-Main Clinic in Salinas on Thursday, August 31st, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Many opioid-related deaths in recent years have been linked to counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, made to look like prescription medications. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid, 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.
Community Human Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Joint Powers Agency dedicated to providing high-quality mental health, substance abuse, and homeless services to Monterey County residents to help them reach their full potential. For more information on CHS’ services, visit chservices.org or call 831-658-3811. ####