MONTICELLO, NY — Staff of the Sullivan County District Attorney's Office this week completed Opioid Overdose Recognition and Narcan Administration training, conducted by Samantha Pipolo, Health Educator and Opioid Overdose Prevention Coordinator with the Sullivan County Department of Public Health.
The training carries particular meaning for District Attorney Brian P. Conaty, who knows all too well the value of Narcan. Earlier this month, District Attorney Conaty helped administer Narcan to an unresponsive individual.
"I've seen firsthand that Narcan saves lives," said District Attorney Conaty. "The overdose crisis touches every part of our community, including the work we do every day. Having our staff trained and equipped to respond means that if someone's life is on the line, we can act. I thank Samantha Pipolo and the Department of Public Health for their partnership and their commitment to saving lives in Sullivan County."
During the session, participants learned how opioids affect the body, how to recognize the signs of an overdose, such as slow or stopped breathing, blue-tinged skin, pinpoint pupils, and unresponsiveness, and how to administer Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray. The training also covered the dangers of fentanyl as well as emerging concerns about kratom and 7-OH, a synthetically altered kratom product with opioid-like effects that is sold over the counter at gas stations and convenience stores.
Participants also reviewed the legal protections available to those who respond to an overdose, including New York State's Good Samaritan Law, which encourages witnesses to call 911 without fear of prosecution for possession of controlled substances or paraphernalia. The session emphasized the importance of reducing stigma, noting that compassion and respectful language can help people with substance use disorder seek treatment.
Each participant received an overdose response kit containing two doses of 4mg Narcan nasal spray, gloves, quick-reference instructions, and a certification card.
The Sullivan County Department of Public Health offers free Narcan training to community groups, businesses, and organizations. Anyone who uses a Narcan kit is asked to report its use within 24 hours to the Department of Public Health at narcan@sullivanny.gov to receive a free replacement kit. To schedule a training, contact Samantha Pipolo at Samantha.Pipolo@sullivanny.gov.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call the Hopeline NY: 833-428-4673
