Narcan Training and Resources
Narcan Resources
Narcan is a brand name for naloxone, a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Opioid overdoses can slow or stop a person's breathing, potentially leading to death. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain, thus restoring breathing.
- Mechanism of action: It's an opioid antagonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking opioids from attaching and reversing their effects.
- Administration: It's commonly administered as a nasal spray, but can also be given via injection.
- Safety: It's considered safe and effective, having been used for over 40 years by medical professionals. If given to someone not experiencing an opioid overdose, it's harmless.
- Over-the-counter availability: Narcan nasal spray is available over-the-counter in many locations.
- Reversibility: Naloxone's effects can wear off before the opioids do, especially with potent opioids like fentanyl, potentially leading to the return of overdose symptoms.
- Side effects: Some common side effects include headache, increased blood pressure, and nasal irritation with the spray form. It can also trigger opioid withdrawal symptoms, which, while unpleasant, are generally not life-threatening.
- Importance: Carrying Narcan is crucial for individuals at high risk of opioid overdose and their loved ones, as it provides a crucial immediate response before emergency medical services arrive
Videos
Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (brief)
In this video, you will learn:
- How to recognize symptoms of an opioid overdose
- How to administer NARCAN™ Nasal Spray
- How to evaluate and support
Source: canaPHEM. @canaphem3885. The Canadian Academy for Prehospital Emergency and Medicine.
Community Events and Staff Professional Development: Narcan Training
The K-12 Substance Abuse Services Team, part of the Department of Student Services & Equity (DSSE), has collaborated with The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) and external partners, including the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA); the Alexandria City Opioid Work Group (OWG) and the Community Outreach Office of the Washington Division of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Over the past three years, they have conducted several community presentations on the risks and dangers of opioids and fentanyl, including how to use Narcan.
Community Presentations
ACPS Security and Safety Team. August 5, 2025. Professional Development. Narcan Training. The K-12 Substance Abuse Services Coordinator, in collaboration with the Opioid Work Group Coordinator. Conducted a Narcan training Session. Training staff in Narcan use and the dangers of opioids is an annual task; both new and existing staff participate in online and in-person training each year. 36 Security Personnel attended this session.
Community Presentation. Place: Chirilagua Neighborhood. In collaboration with the YEP program. Minnie Howard. January 24, 2024.
ACPS Security and Safety Team. Professional Development. Narcan Training. 2023. The K-12 Substance Abuse Services Coordinator, in collaboration with the ACPS Health Director, conducted a series of professional development sessions seeking to train staff regarding opioids and how to use Narcan. January 10, 2023. Training staff in Narcan use and the dangers of opioids is an annual task; both new and existing staff participate in online and in-person training each year.
ACPS counselors and social worker teams. Professional Development. Narcan Training. 2023. The K-12 Substance Abuse Services Coordinator, in collaboration with the ACPS Health Director, conducted a series of professional development sessions seeking to train staff regarding opioids and how to use Narcan. February 28, 2023. Training staff in Narcan use and the dangers of opioids is an annual task; both new and existing staff participate in online and in-person training each year.
Community Presentation. Place: Chirilagua Neighborhood. In collaboration with YEP program. Minnie Howard. January 24, 2024.
Community Presentation. Place: George Washington Middle School. In collaboration with the School SW. GW Middle School. March 29, 2023
Community Presentation. Narcan training, signs of substance abuse, and resources. Conducted in collaboration with SAPCA, DEA, and FACE program.October 25, 2024
ACPS Staff. Professional Development. Narcan Training. 2023. The K-12 Substance Abuse Services Coordinator in collaboration with the ACPS Health Director conducted a series of professional development sessions seeking to train staff regarding opioids and how to use Narcan.
On August 17, 2023, a training session on opioids, fentanyl, and Narcan was held for all Health & P.E teachers in the school district. The purpose of the workshop was to educate the teachers on the dangers of opioid misuse and overdose and to equip them with the skills to identify an overdose and to use Narcan, a drug that can counteract the effects of an opioid overdose.
Prevention Campaigns - 2024 Flyers (History)
The K-12 Substance Abuse Services Counselors from the Department of Student Services, & Equity (DSSE), in collaboration with the FACE program and external partners such as the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria City (SAPCA), the Alexandria City Opioid Work Group (OWG) and the Community Outreach Division of the Washington Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), organized and promoted several opioid prevention activities. The gallery features flyers that provide information and invite the community to take part in these initiatives.
- ACHS Community Presentation
- Virtual Workshop: Community Presentation
- Francis C. Hammond Middle School: Community Presentation
- Patrick Henry K-8 School: Community Presentation
ACHS Community Presentation
Virtual Workshop: Community Presentation
Francis C. Hammond Middle School: Community Presentation
Patrick Henry K-8 School: Community Presentation
Fentanyl Awareness
Fentanyl Awareness Initiative. One-sheet on fentanyl dangers and overdose prevention.
On August 17, 2023, a training session on opioids, fentanyl, and Narcan was held for all Health & P.E teachers in the school district. The purpose of the workshop was to educate the teachers on the dangers of opioid misuse and overdose and to equip them with the skills to identify an overdose and to use Narcan, a drug that can counteract the effects of an opioid overdose.
On Wednesday, August 14, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) conducted a crucial Narcan training session for school security staff from 8:30 to 9:00 AM. This training provided the security team with essential skills to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses using Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse overdose effects. The training was led by Fredy Martinez, ACPS Substance Use Prevention Services Coordinator from the Department of Student Services. The event was a collaborative effort that included Jonathan Teumer, LCSW, Assistant Director of Clinical & Emergency Services, and Mara Jacobs, LPC, Team Leader of the Opioid Treatment Program from the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services. Also contributing their expertise were Tiffany Johnson-Wiggins, Environmental Health Manager, and Medical Director Gloria Ivey Crowe. Through this collaboration, all ACPS security staff were trained and equipped with Naloxone, underscoring ACPS’s ongoing dedication to maintaining a safe and supportive school environment.
On Wednesday, August 14, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) conducted a crucial Narcan training session for school security staff from 8:30 to 9:00 AM. This training provided the security team with essential skills to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses using Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse overdose effects. The training was led by Fredy Martinez, ACPS Substance Use Prevention Services Coordinator from the Department of Student Services. The event was a collaborative effort that included Jonathan Teumer, LCSW, Assistant Director of Clinical & Emergency Services, and Mara Jacobs, LPC, Team Leader of the Opioid Treatment Program from the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services. Also contributing their expertise were Tiffany Johnson-Wiggins, Environmental Health Manager, and Medical Director Gloria Ivey Crowe. Through this collaboration, all ACPS security staff were trained and equipped with Naloxone, underscoring ACPS’s ongoing dedication to maintaining a safe and supportive school environment.
On Wednesday, August 14, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) conducted a crucial Narcan training session for school security staff from 8:30 to 9:00 AM. This training provided the security team with essential skills to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses using Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse overdose effects. The training was led by Fredy Martinez, ACPS Substance Use Prevention Services Coordinator from the Department of Student Services. The event was a collaborative effort that included Jonathan Teumer, LCSW, Assistant Director of Clinical & Emergency Services, and Mara Jacobs, LPC, Team Leader of the Opioid Treatment Program from the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services. Also contributing their expertise were Tiffany Johnson-Wiggins, Environmental Health Manager, and Medical Director Gloria Ivey Crowe. Through this collaboration, all ACPS security staff were trained and equipped with Naloxone, underscoring ACPS’s ongoing dedication to maintaining a safe and supportive school environment.
On Wednesday, August 14, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) conducted a crucial Narcan training session for school security staff from 8:30 to 9:00 AM. This training provided the security team with essential skills to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses using Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse overdose effects. The training was led by Fredy Martinez, ACPS Substance Use Prevention Services Coordinator from the Department of Student Services. The event was a collaborative effort that included Jonathan Teumer, LCSW, Assistant Director of Clinical & Emergency Services, and Mara Jacobs, LPC, Team Leader of the Opioid Treatment Program from the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services. Also contributing their expertise were Tiffany Johnson-Wiggins, Environmental Health Manager, and Medical Director Gloria Ivey Crowe. Through this collaboration, all ACPS security staff were trained and equipped with Naloxone, underscoring ACPS’s ongoing dedication to maintaining a safe and supportive school environment.
On Wednesday, August 14, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) conducted a crucial Narcan training session for school security staff from 8:30 to 9:00 AM. This training provided the security team with essential skills to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses using Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse overdose effects. The training was led by Fredy Martinez, ACPS Substance Use Prevention Services Coordinator from the Department of Student Services. The event was a collaborative effort that included Jonathan Teumer, LCSW, Assistant Director of Clinical & Emergency Services, and Mara Jacobs, LPC, Team Leader of the Opioid Treatment Program from the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services. Also contributing their expertise were Tiffany Johnson-Wiggins, Environmental Health Manager, and Medical Director Gloria Ivey Crowe. Through this collaboration, all ACPS security staff were trained and equipped with Naloxone, underscoring ACPS’s ongoing dedication to maintaining a safe and supportive school environment.
Response Process
One-page guide: Offers insights into factors involved in the decision-making when responding to an overdose.
