Should your church have Narcan in its First Aid Kit?

Having Narcan (naloxone) in church first aid kits is a good thing. Here are several reasons your church should stock Narcan.

Addressing Emergencies: Opioid overdoses can occur anywhere, including your church. Having Narcan readily available in your first aid kit allows for a prompt response to an opioid overdose on the church premises. This can potentially save a life while you wait for professional medical help to arrive.

Supporting Community Outreach: Churches often serve as community hubs, hosting events, support groups, or providing services to vulnerable populations. By including Narcan in your first aid kit, your church demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of your congregation and the wider community. It shows a proactive approach to addressing the opioid crisis and offering assistance to those who may be struggling with opioid use disorders.

Promoting Harm Reduction: Narcan is a harm reduction tool that can help prevent opioid overdose deaths. Including it, in your church first aid kit promotes a compassionate and non-judgmental approach toward individuals dealing with substance use disorder. It emphasizes the importance of saving lives and offering support rather than stigmatizing or marginalizing those affected by opioid addiction.

Creating Safe Spaces: By having Narcan available, your church creates a safer environment for members and visitors. The presence of Narcan signals that your church is prepared to respond to emergencies and prioritizes the health and safety of its community. It fosters an atmosphere of care and support, where individuals feel more comfortable seeking help and support for substance use-related issues.

Educating and Raising Awareness: Including Narcan in your church first aid kit provides an opportunity for education and awareness. Your churches can organize training sessions or workshops on recognizing the signs of an overdose, administering Narcan, and offering support to individuals affected by substance use disorder. This helps dispel myths, reduce stigma, and empower your congregants to take action during emergencies.

It's important to note that when including Narcan in your first aid kit, proper training on its administration and recognizing the signs of an overdose is crucial. Church leaders or designated individuals should receive training from healthcare professionals or local organizations specializing in harm reduction.

Check out this Narcan training video

To find Narcan in your area, check out NEXT Distro