Children to be trained in heroin overdose reversal drug

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (AP) – A Kentucky mother is hoping to teach children how to reverse a heroin overdose with a life-saving drug.

The Kentucky Enquirer (http://cin.ci/1QXwDr9 ) reports that Jennifer Stepp of the community-based Bullitt County Opioid Addiction Team plans to teach children on Nov. 21 how to use the non-narcotic naloxone to restore breathing in those overdosing. Stepp said she will provide details on her training early in November.

A company that makes a naloxone-administering device similar to the Epi-pen has donated kits for Stepp’s training.

Northern Kentucky certified addiction expert Dr. Mina “Mike” Kalfas says children in the region are realizing the danger of drugs and may one day find someone dead from an overdose.

A Kentucky Health Issues Poll in 2014 revealed that 26 percent of those surveyed in Northern Kentucky knew someone with a heroin problem.

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Information from: The Kentucky Enquirer, http://www.nky.com

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.