PARAMUS, N.J.—Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and Rotary District 7490 held a special training program for Rotarians on Feb. 25, “An Educational Approach to Saving Lives with NARCAN—Combating the Opioid Epidemic,” at the Bergen New Bridge Auditorium.
The goal of this program was to give Rotarians the knowledge and training to handle an opioid overdose emergency.
This program for Rotarians was sponsored by Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and its Foundation, and was presented by Bergen New Bridge psychiatric residents.
Rotarians who attended were given instruction on how NARCAN is administered and received a free NARCAN inhaler.
Rotary District 7490 serves Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties.
According to District Gov. John Mitchell, a New Bridge trustee, the program gave Rotarians the necessary tools to help someone in desperate need.
“We have seen how the opioid epidemic has impacted many of our families and Rotarians are people of action,” Mitchell said.
He added, “This training allowed us to give someone who has overdosed a second chance and the opportunity to seek recovery. Our Rotary motto of Service Above Self dovetails perfectly with this lifesaving initiative.”
Deborah Visconi, president and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, thanked Mitchell for his support—and that of district Rotarians.
“We are fighting the opioid epidemic on every front, and providing community education is an essential component of our dedication to this,” she said.
For more information on Rotary District 7490, visit rotary7490.org. For more information on Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, visit newbridgehealth.org.