TONI returns virtually to Stephen County

The Texas Overdose Naloxone Initiative (TONI) will provide a free virtual opioid overdose training on Tuesday, October 27, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.

This initiative educates the public on overdose prevention around the state of Texas and the administering of naloxone. The meeting will be a ZOOM meeting, due to the COVID_19 pandemic.

The event provides citizens, law enforcement, and health care personal with an update on the growing opioid overdose epidemic in Texas. The representatives also will provide information on

the laws regarding Naloxone and the administrating process for the medication.

During the 2014 legislative session, the state of Texas passed Senate Bill 1462, sponsored by Senator Royce West. The bill took affected on Sept. 1, 2015, and allows physicians to prescribe

an opioid antagonist to anyone in danger of experiencing a drug overdose.

The over-the-counter treatment consists of administering naloxone by intravenous, intramuscular, or by intranasal spray known as Narcan. The overdose-saving product ranges in prices at various drug stores from $60-$4000.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the misuse of and addiction to opioids, including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl is a serious national crisis that affects public health, as well as social and economic welfare.

Any individual in need of assistance with substance abuse can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-4357.

Citizens can register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tf-2przgs-GdG-2OpDFJ91KVm-2… After registering, citi

After registering, citizens will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.