Saratoga County Sees Uptick in Overdoses Offers Free Rescue Kits

The opioid epidemic is on the rise in the Capital Region and Saratoga County has seen an uptick in overdose deaths. Officials in Saratoga County have started to distribute free kits to help battle the crisis.

What is Being Offered?

The Saratoga County Department of Health is teaming up with the Clifton Park and Halfmoon emergency corps to distribute free naloxone overdose rescue kits. The kits will also be distributed with training to the public according to News 10 ABC.

The distribution of the kits was decided after the county saw an increase in deaths. According to the Saratoga County Health Services Commissioner, Dr. Daniel Kuhles,

We reported between January 13th to January 18th. There were ten overdoses reported with one fatality.

How Bad is The Opioid Crisis?

The Centers for Disease Control said there has been a thirty percent increase in overdose deaths across the country and a fourteen percent increase throughout New York state between 2020-2021.

What Do The Kits Contain?

The kits have two doses of naloxone, a rescue breathing face shield, a pair of medical gloves, and a certificate of training. If you are unable to attend training, more kits will be readily available.

How Do You Get A Kit?

Whoever wishes to get a kit but cannot come in or doesn't feel comfortable can sign up with just an email address. No name is needed if the individual doesn't want to give out their name. The health department will reach out through the email address and give them a link with an overdose response kit and resources in the community.