Crisis Chronicles: Save a Life Day Proves Successful
By Tim Curry on October 05, 2024 from Crisis Chronicles
Tales from the desk of an emergency manager ...
Opioid addiction has been devastating our state for years, but a committed group of individuals is determined to combat this crisis. Recently, I had the honor of collaborating with professionals from the WVU Medicine peer recovery team and the Harrison County Quick Response 
Team during Save a Life Day.
Team during Save a Life Day.
This national initiative aims to raise awareness about opioid addiction, distribute free Narcan, and connect those battling addiction with vital resources and treatment options. Throughout the event, we successfully distributed over 400 doses of Narcan, provided essential training on its administration, and engaged in meaningful conversations with individuals and families affected by addiction.
The Harrison County Quick Response Team, funded entirely by grants from WVU Medicine, consists of paramedics, law enforcement officers, public health officials, and mental health professionals. Their mission is to provide prompt medical assistance to overdose victims and work proactively to prevent future incidents. Following immediate care, the team conducts follow-up visits to support recovery and link survivors and their families with rehabilitation and counseling services. This integrated approach not only facilitates individual recovery but also addresses wider public health challenges by fostering awareness and preventive measures.
From a personal perspective, my background in emergency medical services had initially hardened my view towards addiction, often seeing the same individuals relapse after intervention. However, working alongside the QRT has profoundly changed my understanding of recovery and its long-term potential. Educating the public and hearing the recovery stories during Save a Life Day was truly inspiring. The opioid crisis touches all of us, whether we know someone affected or witness its impact in our communities.
The relentless efforts of those in peer recovery and on the quick response team are crucial, tirelessly working to resolve this pervasive crisis one patient at a time.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Tim Curry with Jamie Brown, peer recovery coach at United Hospital Center. Photo below shows West Virginia Wesleyan College nursing students who all got training in Narcan administration and received Narcan kits.
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