JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — Opioid drug overdoses are a major concern for leaders in Jefferson Parish, which is why the parish is opening up a Narcan distribution center in Marrero.
The Narcan Distribution Site at the Marrero Public Health Unit is located at 1855 Ames Blvd., Marrero.
Anyone over the age of 18 can pick up one dose of intra-nasal Narcan every Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Narcan, also known as naloxone, is designed to rapidly reverse the life-threatening effects of opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications.
“Opioid overdoses in Jefferson Parish have doubled over the past four years with almost 300 opioid overdoses in 2021,” said Jefferson Parish Chief Administrative Assistant Sarah Babcock, MPH. “We are grateful for this partnership as these alarming trends continue not only in our region but throughout Louisiana. The ability to easily provide access to naloxone could be the difference between life and death for those struggling with addiction.”
Narcan distributed through the Marrero Public Health Unit is being supplied by the Louisiana Department of Health.
In addition to the medication, individuals will be given instructions on how to identify an overdose and administer the medication, which can easily be used without medical training parish health officials said.
Group or individual training on how to administer Narcan is also available by appointment.
For questions or to schedule a training, call (504) 349-5639.
For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on social media (@JeffParishGov) or by texting JPALERT or JPNOTICIAS to 888-777.