Conroe Offers Free Narcan Overdose Training

**Conroe Community Empowers Itself Against Fentanyl with Free Narcan Training**

**CONROE, TX – January 22, 2024** – In a critical step towards equipping its community with life-saving tools, Conroe residents turned out Saturday, January 20th, to receive free Narcan overdose training and distribution. The initiative, a collaborative effort by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), the Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD), and the Texas Attorney General’s Office, armed dozens with the knowledge and medication to combat the escalating opioid crisis, particularly the deadly threat posed by fentanyl.

Held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Conroe Family Worship Center, located at 4275 FM 1488, the event provided hour-long training sessions that taught attendees how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and, crucially, how to properly administer Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray. This medication can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, buying critical time for emergency services to arrive. Each participant who completed the training received two doses of the life-saving medication, ready to deploy in an emergency.

“Fentanyl is a real threat that is affecting all of us, not just specific demographics,” stated MCSO Lieutenant Philip Cash. “Our goal with events like this is to foster community preparedness. We want to empower ordinary citizens to act, turning tragic overdose situations into successful overdose reversals. This is about saving lives and building a resilient community response.”

The Narcan distributed at the Conroe event is part of a broader statewide initiative spearheaded by the Texas Attorney General’s Office, aiming to get this vital drug into the hands of those who might need it. This program is often funded through opioid settlement funds, reflecting a strategic investment in public health and safety across the state.

Niccole Villa, representing MCHD EMS Community Outreach, underscored the simplicity and safety of Narcan. “It’s incredibly safe to give; it does no harm even if the person isn’t experiencing an opioid overdose,” she explained. “Our drive is to empower the community to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency. The faster Narcan is administered, the better the outcome.”

The training sessions were highly practical, utilizing demonstration kits to simulate the administration of the nasal spray. Trainers guided participants through the steps, from recognizing the shallow breathing and unresponsiveness of an overdose victim to the precise method of delivering the Narcan dose, and what to do next while awaiting paramedics. Attendees included concerned family members, community volunteers, and individuals simply wanting to be prepared for an unforeseen emergency.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a dramatic rise in overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl across the nation, with Texas mirroring this trend. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, is often clandestinely mixed into other illicit drugs, making accidental overdoses increasingly common and lethal. The accessibility of Narcan and widespread public education are considered essential components in mitigating this public health crisis.

This initiative reflects a broader strategy by local and state authorities to educate and arm the public against the escalating dangers of opioid addiction and overdose in the region. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement, public health, and state agencies highlight a unified front in addressing one of the most pressing health crises of our time.

Residents who missed the training but wish to obtain Narcan or learn more about overdose prevention can often find resources through the Montgomery County Hospital District, local health departments, or community outreach programs. Many pharmacies in Texas also dispense Narcan without an individual prescription under a standing order. Information regarding future training events will be announced through official county and MCHD channels.

For additional resources and information on opioid overdose prevention and treatment, please visit the Montgomery County Hospital District’s website or the Texas Health and Human Services website.