Harm Reduction Training and Awareness

Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone) is a community-based overdose education

and naloxone distribution program that was created as a way to combat Ohio's opioid overdose epidemic. 

Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (heroin or prescription pain medications). When administered during an overdose, Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restores breathing.

Naloxone has been used safely by emergency medical professionals for more than 40 years

and has only this one critical function: to reverse the effects of opioids in order to prevent

overdose death.

 Key Points:

•  Naloxone has no potential for abuse.
•  If given to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, it is harmless.
•  If administered to a person who is dependent on opioids, it will produce non-life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
•  It does not reverse overdoses that are caused by non-opioid drugs, such as cocaine, benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium), methamphetamines or alcohol.

It takes less than 30 minutes to obtain a kit that could save a life. 

Attendees learn to:

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of overdose
• Distinguish between different types of overdoses
• Perform rescue breathing
• Call emergency medical services
• Administer intranasal Naloxone

The kit includes:

 2 – 4mg doses of Narcan Nasal Spray

 1 pair of nitrile gloves

 1 face shield

 1 educational DVD

 1 educational booklet

 How do I get a Project DAWN kit:

 You may obtain a naloxone kit for free through Ashtabula County Health Department's Project DAWN

 program. Walk-ins are accepted; however, it is preferred that you schedule an appointment in

 order to ensure a staff member will be available to complete the education and distribution

 with you.

 1) Watch the “Naloxone Project DAWN training video” on

 YouTube: https://youtu.be/dBF0ovVWPYc

 2) Call Maggie McClymonds or David Shumate at Ashtabula County Health Department 440-576-6010 (or email mmcclymonds@ashtabulacountyhealth.com / dshumate@ashtabulacountyhealth.com) to answer a few simple questions and arrange safe pick up or delivery of your kit.

 OR

 If you would prefer to receive your kit by mail, visit naloxone.ohio.gov, or visit The Ohio Department of Healthʼs Project DAWN Website to obtain a free kit.

Donations are accepted but not required.