Lori Arnette Speaks To Hope Kiwanis Club About Naloxone/Narcan

By Mark Keith, 02/28/23 4:03 PM

The Hope Kiwanis Club heard from Lori Arnette, Community Health Nurse Specialist with the Department of Health spoke to the Hope Kiwanis Club about Naloxone (also known as Narcan).  Naloxone can reverse the effects of opioids in the case of an overdose.  Arnette noted 671 people in the state of Arkansas died of overdoses in 2021.  The state of Arkansas is number 2 in the nation when it comes to opioids being prescribed.  Should someone overdose accidently on opioids, there breathing slows and this cna be fatal.  Naloxone is a nasal spray that can be sprayed in a person’s nose.  It isn’t harmful and can be administered as long as needed.  Many pharmacists and doctors recommend family members purchase Naloxone if they have a loved one who takes prescription opioid drugs.  If you have further questions you can contact Arnette at her office at the Southwest Arkansas Education Co-op on the campus of UAHT.