Senator Martins Announces New Resources in the Fight Against Heroin

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate district) announced that New York State is providing new resources to combat the growing heroin epidemic. The state will be providing naloxone kits to schools and training for school personnel across the state.

     “The heroin epidemic affects every community on Long Island, and kids are the number one target. Giving schools these new resources and training will allow them to potentially save a life and prevent a tragedy. This is a smart investment which will help protect our children,” said Senator Martins, who supported the funding.

     $272,000 in funding has been provided through this year’s state budget to train school nurses and other personnel in school districts across the state. Naloxone kits will be provided to schools whose personnel complete the training. The training is expected to be similar to what is already in use for training first responders and community members.

     Naloxone is a lifesaving medication which can help rescue an overdose victims. When administered, it can reverse the effects of an overdose by temporarily blocking the effects of the opioid, whether illicit or prescription, allowing the individual to regain consciousness and resume normal breathing. It poses no danger to persons who otherwise might come into contact with it and it is not the kind of medication that can be abused.