Joffrion is hosting training sessions at library locations across Charleston County through September. The next one Aug. 24. She teaches participants to recognize the signs of an overdose and administer Narcan. Participants will also walk away with an overdose prevention kit containing two doses of the nasal spray. Narcan is now available over-the-counter in drug stores, but costs about $100.
Three days a week, she reviews incident reports from every overdose reported the city, and some in surrounding jurisdictions. The information helps her, and other agencies, track if there is a hot spot where a bad batch of drugs might be causing a cluster of overdoses. That's where she focuses her outreach efforts.
She began hosting the events in July, but has seen attendance wane.
"I've tried to target communities where this is needed," Joffrion said.
To critics who say programs like hers only enable drug use, Joffrion said: "I don't think people are coming to get Narcan so they can do drugs."
They are coming because someone they care about might, and this could save them, she added.
The one-hour training are below:
6 p.m. on August 24 at Hurd/St. Andrews Library in West Ashley
6 p.m. on September 14 at Otranto Road Library in North Charleston
6 p.m. on September 21 at Downtown Main Library on Calhoun Street
6 p.m. on September 28 at St. Paul's Hollywood Library on State Highway 165 in Hollywood
To register, scan the QR code or fill out this Google form.
Narcan will also be distributed at several events commemorating Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
The Ernest E. Kennedy Center, a non-profit in Berkeley County that provides substance abuse and addiction services, will be passing out Narcan from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Goose Creek Graffiti Park, 104A Red Bank Road. There will also be an area to dispose of unused medications, as well as information on overdose prevention, and available treatment and support services.
