Naloxone Dispensers Available for the Public

Article
By Chad Hedrick
Oct 11, 2016

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- There’s no question the heroin epidemic in our region has reached high numbers.

After a record number of overdoses in a 24-hour period hitting Huntington during the summer, officials are trying everything to decrease the number of fatal overdoses.

A new device that fits in the palm of your hand and easily in your pocket is now available at the Cabell-Huntington Health Department. Citizens can be trained to use and keep the devices, should they come across someone who overdoses.

Will Lockwood, a former heroin user, has been clean for two years and keeps two of the naloxone dispensers with him. He says he’s only had to use it once, but it was an experience he’d never forget.

“I don't wish it on anyone,” Lockwood said. “However, it was probably one of the scariest events of my life watching somebody that you love and care about in a sense dying.”

Lockwood says he’s been given naloxone three times in his life from 2011 to 2014. The last time he ever used heroin, it wasn’t naloxone that brought him back. It was his drug dealer beating on his chest trying to resuscitate him.

“At the time I had a moment of clarity, Lockwood said. “I caught my reflection in a mirror in a motel bathroom and I could hear my own voice in my head saying, 'You're worth more than this.' ”

Now Lockwood has a lifesaving device in his hands, and is encouraging others to get trained and carry it around themselves.

“It’s been by far the most rewarding thing that I’ve ever done in my life, ”Lockwood said.

“Family members can be trained to use them,” says Dr. Michael Kilkenny with the Cabell-Huntington Health Department. “Friends can be trained to use them.”

Kilkenny says the health department has given out about 1,200 of the 2,200 units they were given through a grant by the company that makes the device.

Since February 2016, at least 60 lives have been saved because people carry the device around.

“It’s a great response to the epidemic, and a lot of places are still not up to speed on making naloxone available to people,” Kilkenny added.

Jim Johnson, Huntington’s director of drug control policy, says the device and similar ones to it, like a nasal spray, won’t stop the heroin epidemic altogether, but it will give addicts a second chance at life.

“Naloxone is not going to end the epidemic to heroin,” Johnson said. “But it's going to save lives and give people a chance to get their life back.”

Johnson adds that the epidemic isn’t just a Huntington problem, but a national one where 50,000 people a year are dying.

The health department holds classes Mondays and Wednesdays during which students from Marshall University’s School of Pharmacy actually help train folks who want to learn how to administer the reversal drug.

The device has about a year long shelf life.

Officials say it’s important to still call 911 after someone overdoses, because they may need more medical attention than what the device gives.