Director of Health and Wellness Heather Lukas has brought a powerful training series to QCC. One of the key areas her department wanted to focus on is opioid use disorder and providing Narcan training.
Opioid-related overdoses have been a growing concern. The Massachusetts Department of Health reported 2,104 fatal opioid overdoses in the state throughout 2023. Narcan, or naloxone, is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, and equipping the public with the knowledge of how to use it can save lives.
"Providing Narcan training not only empowers individuals to act in critical situations but also helps break the stigma surrounding addiction and overdose, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for everyone," said Lukas, who serves as QCC's representative on the City of Worcester's Opioid Taskforce.
This program will be offered every few months, with the next session scheduled for March 19 at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. in the Harrington Learning Center (HLC), Room109A. Everyone is encouraged to attend and gain valuable knowledge that could make a difference in someone’s life.
Health and Wellness Nurse Planner for Student Outreach and Programing Nicole Stewart is also available to go into classes to teach this program. Thanks to the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Narcan kits are available to take home for most participants.
For more information email hlukas@qcc.mass.edu.