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After a New Rochelle High School student nearly overdosed from vaping a substance suspected to be laced with fentanyl, County Executive George Latimer and County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD recognized five New Rochelle School Nurses who saved the student’s life by quickly administering Naloxone (Narcan).

County Executive George Latimer said: “We would like to recognize these nurses from the New Rochelle City School District, for their heroic actions that ultimately saved this teen’s life. We recognize that fentanyl is present in our communities and among young people, and we want our communities to be saturated with Narcan. Our school districts, communities, residents and families should know that our Health Department offers free Narcan training. Because of these nurses this student was given the gift of continued life, and they are all deserving of our most esteemed praise.”

Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD said: “We recognized the dangers of these substances more than eight years ago, when the Westchester County Health Department began training first responders to administer Narcan. To increase the potential to save lives, we have expanded our training program every year and, with the support of County Executive George Latimer, we continue to do so.”

The Westchester County Health Department is also taking this opportunity to remind residents of its free, life-saving Naloxone (Narcan) Training Program. The training program can be taken by anyone 18 years of age or older who live or work in Westchester County, and educates people on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose.

Naloxone is a prescription medication that is used to reverse an opioid overdose, and the drug is provided for free to anyone who attends a training session. When administered correctly, Narcan nasal spray restores breathing that has been dangerously slowed by an overdose of heroin or prescription painkillers. If used quickly and effectively, Narcan has the potential to save lives.

The Health Department provides school trainings as well as community trainings, and residents who participate will receive a free Narcan kit. To learn more about Narcan or register for an upcoming Community Opioid Overdose Training Session, visit the Health Department’s Website.