Mar 18, 2024
Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and Ottawa Public Health (OPH) are partnering this spring to offer Naloxone training workshops virtually to OPL clients.
According to OHP, an overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, while waiting for 911 to arrive. Being able to recognize the signs of an overdose quickly and having a naloxone kit can save a life.
These four workshops will be delivered online through Zoom, and registrants can choose to attend from their homes, or they can participate in the virtual sessions by visiting one of seven branches that will be livestreaming the events The presenter will provide a 30-minute information and training session along with instructions on how to obtain a free Naloxone kit, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session.
There is a daytime option and an evening option for both languages.
The dates and times are as follows:
- Tuesday, April 2 from 1pm to 1:45pm (English virtual)
- Tuesday, April 2 from 2pm to 2:45pm (French virtual)
- Wednesday, April 17 from 6pm to 6:45pm (English virtual)
- Wednesday, April 17 from 7pm to 7:45pm (French virtual)
If you are unable to attend any of the above sessions or if you are interested in learning more, you might be interested in the following online course offered exclusively by OPH:
Party Smart Course:
This course is accessible through the StopoverdoseOttawa.ca website. Participants need to create an account (if you don’t already have one) and it takes about 30-minutes to complete. A certificate of completion will be generated (valid for 1 year), and we recommend taking this course annually. Participants have the option to exit and re-open it without losing progress. It is bilingual, no-cost and provides information that can help people party as safely as possible. Learners leave with information on:
- Commonly used substances
- Party Safer tips and reducing harms related to substance use
- Identifying and responding to an opioid overdose
- Naloxone use and how to get no-cost kits (option to order naloxone with home delivery)
- Coping after a distressing event
- Resources related to mental health, violence prevention, addictions and substance use health