JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — Drug overdose deaths are on the rise across the country and here at home.
Jefferson Parish is now averaging about 300 opioid-related deaths a year.
“Over the past 4 or 5 years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of opioid overdose deaths we’ve had in Jefferson Parish,” JP Chief Administrative Assistant Sarah Babcock said. “At this point in time Jefferson Parish leads the state in opioid overdose deaths.”
To combat the problem, JP just opened a free Narcan distribution site at the parish’s Westbank Public Health Unit.
Narcan, also known as Naloxone, can quickly reverse the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose.
That includes heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications.
Monday, Metairie resident Scott Bateman picked up a supply of Narcan at the Marrero facility.
“I thought it would be a good idea,” Bateman said. “I know some people who have problems, and you never know what’s going to happen. So, I just wanted to make sure if, God forbid anything did, I would be prepared to help someone out.”
Helena Likaj at Odessey House, a local addiction treatment provider, says everyone should have Narcan in their first aid kit.
“The rates of overdoses are just skyrocketing throughout the country, and we need folks to be equipped with the tools to save lives,” Likaj said.
Likaj has administered Narcan on two occasions.
“You never know where you’re going to be and when an individual is going to be experiencing an overdose,” she said.
Babcock hopes residents take advantage of the Narcan distribution program.
“I carry it with me wherever I go, so I think this is important for everyone in our community,” Babcock said.
For now, Jefferson Parish only distributes the Narcan at the Marrero Public Health Unit. However, the parish hopes to one day expand the program to an Eastbank location.
Anyone over the age of 18 can pick up one dose of Narcan every Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The distribution site is at the public health unit at 1855 Ames Blvd. in Marrero.
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