Dozens of adults have been trained to respond to drug overdoses using the drug Narcan.
It is part of an initiative by an organization that offers this type of training to businesses and community centers.
Jimy Gonzalez says he started using drugs and drinking alcohol at a very young age.
“It destroys the body, the mind, the spirit and on top of that the family, the friends, everyone is out to get you, no one wants to fight with you anymore.”
Along with dozens of clients at the Phoenix House of New York rehabilitation center, he received training in reversing opioid overdoses with the drug Naloxone, or Narcan.
According to city data, due to the drug overdose epidemic, from April 2022 to 2023, approximately 3,200 New Yorkers died from overdoses.
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez presented Phonix House with a $20,000 donation to the rehabilitation center.
“These funds are for the Mobile Assistance Department of this center that reaches out to New Yorkers who are suffering from addiction, which is much needed right now,” the senator said.
“We must be very concerned and educate ourselves.”
The center will be holding several free Narcan training sessions around the city this month and will take the course to businesses and community centers throughout the year.
Phoenix House of New York provides residential and outpatient rehabilitation treatment with mental health services and activities to people addicted to alcohol or drugs.
To bring the free training to your business or community center visit phoenixhouseny.org
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