Estacada committee and prevention partner expand Narcan distribution and outreach

Members of the Estacada Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and partner organizations described ongoing Narcan distribution and prevention outreach during the Jan. 6 meeting.

Committee members reported collecting and distributing additional Narcan kits to local businesses, the library and other public places. One member said they brought about 11 kits to distribute and had about two dozen more available for outreach; another said they distributed half a dozen and still had eight or nine. Committee members described mixed initial reactions from businesses and public institutions, with some staff asking whether distribution was a requirement or whether training would be needed.

Tyra Baird, Estacada Prevention Specialist with Todos Juntos, described distribution rules for community Narcan and said kits for families or households require a determination that the recipient is likely to need it. Baird said she will pick up Narcan to distribute to families and requested stickers so households that keep a kit can place a window sticker indicating its presence. "If they do have it in their home and they're comfortable, then they can put that sticker in their window," Baird said.

Baird said she is compiling information about school nurses' inventories and will coordinate distribution where appropriate. She noted the county is offering training on Feb. 20, and recommended using the county training as an opportunity to ramp up distribution. Committee members proposed posting availability information on the committee—s social media channels and including a contact so residents can reach Baird to complete the screening required to receive Narcan.

Members said they will continue distribution efforts, coordinate with businesses and bring remaining kits to the next meeting if needed. The committee also discussed adding grant-writing training to future budgets to build local capacity for securing community health funding.