Health group giving away Narcan nasal sprays

People in Monterey County got free training on how to reverse an opioid overdose all by using a special spray containing naloxone.

The Narcan nasal spray device is simply inserted into the nose and the plunger pushed up. Doctors say it is simple, it is effective and it could save a life.

Dozens lined up at the Salinas Sports Complex Tuesday night to get a free box of the life-saving device.

“I think these should be attached to every telephone pole in our town,” said Miriam Peleg, a Santa Cruz resident.

Community Human Services put the event together, teaching people how to use the Narcan nasal spray. Opioid dependence, they say, is a major issue not just nationally but here on the Central Coast.

“We serve about 600 people in Monterey County with drug treatment ever year, and easily two-thirds of those are opioid addicted,” said Robin McCrae, the CEO of Community Human Services.

People learned how to recognize an overdose: things like slow breathing, slow response and blue or purple lips. Narcan, which contains naloxone, counteracts the effects.

“In your body, you have a little receptor, it’s like a little socket, and the opioid fits in like a ball,” said Casey Grover, a doctor at CHOMP. “When you put in the naloxone, it literally knocks the opioid out of the receptor and puts something else in its place.”

Doctors here say Narcan can be applied to anyone suspected of having an opioid overdose, and has no negative effect if it isn’t an overdose.

Before 2014, opioids killed on person per week in Monterey County. They say education has played a real part in reducing that number.

“In the last year and a half, I think the police have rescued…I think 12 lives is the best number that I have, they’ve saved people from overdose,” said Grover.

However, this is an expensive solution. Without insurance, Narcan nasal spray can cost up to $250. But thanks to a grant, everyone at the event Tuesday got a two pack of Narcan completely free.

It is all part of the belief that the more people have it, the more lives can be saved.

“People need to have the antidote, or the nasal naloxone, as quickly as possible even before 911 response,” said McCrae.

Community Human Services is hosting another Narcan training event in Seaside on Wed., May 1, at 7 p.m. at the Oldemeyer Center.