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ST. MARYS- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services (ADAS) set up a drive-thru Narcan station Thursday afternoon in Downtown St. Marys.
ADAS Executive Director, Angela Eckstrom, and Prevention Program Manager, Sheri Larson, stationed themselves in front of the Fitness Court on Depot Street offering free Narcan nasal spray to anyone concerned for family or friends who may be struggling with addiction to opioids.This is the first outdoor public distribution ADAS has conducted in St. Marys.
Narcan, which is the brand name for Naloxone, is a medication used to reverse or reduce the effects of opioids. It is used to counter decreased breathing in an opioid overdose.
Larson said several people came by the drive-thru station to obtain the free nasal spray who had either heard about the station or just happened to be walking by.
“One gentleman who didn't already know walked by and he did say he had some friends who could really benefit and a lady who works with clients who she felt would benefit as well,” Larson said.
While ADAS provides services throughout Elk, McKean and Cameron Counties, Larson said they decided to take the free spray and instructions to the street to widen the net and reach more people who may be in need.
“I think it's important to get it to people who wouldn't normally pick it up. Or if someone is just driving by they might think, let's stop and grab some and hold onto it, just in case,” she said.
Eckstrom added that while ADAS distributes Narcan to first responders throughout the year, they felt they should go out into the public to distribute the life-saving drug.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get their hands on it,” Eckstrom said.
ADAS recently conducted the same drivethru Narcan station in Bradford and next month will be stationed in Cameron County on Thursday, March 30 on the corner of North Cherry and East Fourth Street.
ADAS provides walkin drug and alcohol assessments or open discussions on Narcan distribution days at their offices at 1305 Bucktail Road in St. Marys.
For more information, contact ADAS at 814486-0653.