When it comes to tackling the opioid epidemic locally, tools are being offered by local organizations to help with the cause.

Carter County Drug Prevention, Insight Alliance and the Sullivan County Anti Drug Coalition are sponsoring a free Naloxone/Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) workshop on Friday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Being offered inside the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library community room, participants will be able to learn about a variety of topics associated with ACEs, ranging from the principles of trauma to the effects it can have on children’s brain development and how to counteract negative trends to help the future generation of Tennesseans.

Jilian Reece, director of the Carter County Drug Prevention, recently told the Elizabethton Star about the importance of the state focusing on children’s situations growing up and stated it is key to utilize ACEs training for the youth in the community.

To go along with the ACEs training, participants will get education on Naloxone, a lifesaving drug administered to those going through an overdose.

Naloxone is a medication developed to help reverse opioid overdoses and can be administered by different methods, including by a shot and nasal spray.

“We have a very high rate of accidental overdose deaths in this area,” Sarah Melton, professor of Pharmacy Practice at the East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, recently told the Elizabethton Star during the previous library workshop. “As community members, we need to be prepared when we come across anyone that may have overdosed. This is an opportunity to save them. I’d just encourage anybody that has a family member, friend or anybody they work with that they’re worried about who may overdose to come out to a training event.”

The price range for Naloxone ranges from $35 to $4,000 depending on the type of way an individual plans on administering but can be accessed free of charge depending on an individual’s health insurance plan. Naloxone is covered by Tennessee Medicaid, also known as TennCare.

“A lot of the commercial insurances are covering Naloxone as well,” Melton added. “You just need to check with your plan and see.”

Carter County has become more active in addressing opioid abuse with the Elizabethton Police Department recently benefitting from a grant opportunity that allows officers to have Naloxone on the road with them in case of emergencies and taking part in prescription drug take-back events.

For more information about Naloxone training, contact Reece at ccdpdirector@outlook.com or visit Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition’s Facebook page online.