Naloxone/Narcan and Other Harm Reduction Strategies

Thursday, Oct 23, 2025 • 12 pm to 1 pm

Virtual

Training Sessions

Abstract

The opioid crisis remains a pressing public health issue, necessitating comprehensive educational initiatives to equip individuals and communities with the knowledge to mitigate risks associated with opioid use, prevent overdose deaths, and promote safe practices.

Key components of the training include education on the nature of opioids, including prescription medications and illicit substances, to foster awareness about their medical applications and associated risks. Participants will gain crucial insights into recognizing an overdose and the life-saving application of naloxone, an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of an overdose if administered in time.

Furthermore, the program will cover Good Samaritan laws, which are designed to protect individuals who assist someone experiencing an overdose, encouraging a culture of intervention without fear of legal repercussions. Common myths surrounding naloxone, such as misconceptions about its effectiveness and potential misuse, will also be addressed to clarify its role in harm reduction.

Lastly, discussions will encompass the use of fentanyl and xylazine test strips, providing practical training on how to utilize these tools for harm reduction. These strips serve as a critical measure for identifying the presence of potent and dangerous substances in drugs, thus enabling individuals to make informed decisions regarding their use.

By integrating these essential topics into a cohesive educational framework, we aim to enhance community resilience against the opioid epidemic, promote safer practices, and save lives through informed action.

Objectives

  • Learn signs and symptoms of a opioid overdose
  • Learn how to administer naloxone 
  • Understand what the good Samaritan law is related to opioid overdose and use of naloxone
  • Understand how to utilize drug checking resources for the purpose of harm reduction

Accreditation

PHYSICIAN (CME)

The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

NURSING (CNE)

A maximum of 1.0 nursing contact hours will be awarded. Participants will be able to claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the program.

SOCIAL WORK

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, University of Pittsburgh is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. University of Pittsburgh maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 continuing education credits.

Psychologist (APA)

Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.

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