SHARE

Opioid Overdose Prevention Law Enforcement Initiative Starts Statewide

As the opioid epidemic spreads across the state and country, New York's Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks rolled out a statewide initiative Thursday to train state court officers, sheriff’s deputies, and other court personnel how to properly administer Naloxone or Narcan.

A Narcan kit contains the drugs, syringes, and gloves.

A Narcan kit contains the drugs, syringes, and gloves.

Photo Credit: Contributed

In New York State, it is legal for non-medical persons to administer Naloxone to an individual to prevent an opioid overdose from becoming fatal, so the court system had to obtained authorization from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to operate as an Opioid Overdose Prevention Center. The court system's Court Officers Academy will oversee the program.

“By equipping New York State Court officers and other court employees to appropriately respond to opioid overdose-related emergencies and making Naloxone available at every courthouse, this program will help save individuals across our state suffering from addiction, keeping them alive until they can receive medical,” said Marks.

In the beginning, court officers and sheriff's deputies assigned to the court will undergo special training under the supervision of the Academy which also provides first aid, basic life support and related instruction to all uniformed personnel statewide.

The court system’s Department of Public Safety, led by Chief Michael Magliano, will monitor all requests for the naloxone product.

“When a medical-related emergency arises in the courthouse, every second matters. With opioid addiction at crisis levels in communities around the State, this initiative will undoubtedly serve to enhance public safety throughout the New York State Courts,” said Magliano.

The program, which is being introduced in mid-July, will be implemented statewide by year’s end.

to follow Daily Voice Armonk and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE