INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana University Responding to the Addictions Crisis Grand Challenge initiative, in partnership with IU Health, Overdose Lifeline Inc., the Indianapolis Public Library and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, will host free naloxone training and distribution events across Indianapolis on Sept. 28.
Free intranasal naloxone kits will be distributed to the first 1,000 attendees who complete the training.
The event at IUPUI’s Hine Hall will feature an interactive discussion with key stakeholders followed by naloxone training and distribution. Simultaneously, naloxone training and distribution will be offered at four Indianapolis Public Library branches across the city, some in areas particularly hard hit by overdose-related calls to emergency medical services.
Often referred to by its brand name, Narcan, naloxone is a drug used to treat opioid overdose. Fast-acting and easy to administer, it can save the lives of those who have overdosed on prescription opioids or illegal drugs like heroin.
The free naloxone kits will be distributed by IU Health staff. Conducted by Overdose Lifeline Inc., training will take 20 minutes and occur every 40 minutes at the library locations, and at 9 and 10 a.m. at the IUPUI Hine Hall location.
Media is welcome to attend. Experts and community leaders will be available for interviews before and after the events at IUPUI.
Schedule for Sept. 28
IUPUI: Hine Hall, 875 W. North St. in Indianapolis
- 7:30 to 8 a.m.: Continental breakfast and welcome table.
- 8 to 9 a.m.: Panel discussion featuring Dr. Jennifer Walthall, secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration; Justin Phillips, executive director of Overdose Lifeline Inc.; and Brandon George, executive director of Indiana Addictions Issues Coalition.
- 9 to 11 a.m.: Naloxone trainings will take place at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
The Indianapolis Public Library branches
Naloxone training and distribution will take place at 40-minute intervals from 10 a.m. to noon at the following branches in Indianapolis:
- Decatur: 5301 Kentucky Ave.
- Glendale: 6101 N. Keystone Ave.
- Haughville: 2121 W. Michigan St.
- Irvington: 5625 E. Washington St.
