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Indiana’s opioid crisis remains a pressing issue, with overdose deaths continuing to devastate communities. Despite a slight decrease in overdose deaths in 2023, the situation remains dire, as more than 2,000 Hoosiers died from drug overdoses. Of these deaths, approximately 75% involved opioids, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention strategies. One initiative that is making a significant difference is the University of Indiana's Citizen Opioid Responders (COR) program, which equips ordinary citizens with the knowledge and skills to administer naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
Led by Cris Henderson, a doctoral student and research associate at Indiana University’s School of Public Health-Bloomington, the COR program has gained recognition for its efforts to provide naloxone training to the general public. The program’s goal is simple: increase the number of people who are equipped and confident enough to intervene in an overdose situation. By distributing naloxone to more individuals, especially those in communities with high rates of opioid misuse, the program aims to create a network of responders who are ready to act when needed.
Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, can reverse the effects of opioid overdose within minutes, giving individuals the critical time needed to get emergency medical attention. In many cases, having naloxone on hand can mean the difference between life and death. However, while naloxone is a powerful tool, its effectiveness depends on having trained individuals who know how to use it. The Citizen Opioid Responders program addresses this by offering free, online training on how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer naloxone.
The program has gained substantial momentum, reaching not only students at various Indiana University campuses but also extending to several counties throughout the state. This expansion was made possible by a $23,500 grant from the IU Foundation, which has enabled the program to reach even more communities, including those in Clark, Dearborn, Floyd, and Monroe counties. As of now, the program is available on five IU campuses: Bloomington, Columbus, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and Southeast.
The 30-minute training is self-paced, making it accessible to a broad range of participants. In addition to teaching how to administer naloxone, the course also covers essential topics such as recognizing signs of an overdose, understanding scene safety, and the Good Samaritan laws that protect people who intervene in emergencies. By the end of the course, participants are not only equipped with naloxone but also gain the confidence to act in situations where someone is experiencing an opioid overdose.
Henderson emphasizes that widespread naloxone training could significantly reduce the number of overdose deaths in the state. “We want to get naloxone in the hands of more people, even those who may not have a loved one who they know is suffering from opioid use disorder or misusing drugs,” Henderson said. The idea is that if more people are prepared, there will be a greater likelihood that someone is nearby to save a life in an emergency.
The program is free and available to anyone interested in learning more about the opioid crisis and how to help. For those looking to get involved, the training is accessible online through the Prevention Insights website, making it easy for anyone in Indiana to take part in this life-saving initiative.
In the fight against the opioid epidemic, every life saved counts, and Citizen Opioid Responders is helping ensure that more Hoosiers are ready to make a difference when it matters most.
If you or your loved one are struggling with an addiction to opioids or any other substance, reach out to Avenues Recovery today. Our dedicated and experienced staff will guide and support you every step of the way to recovery. No one is beyond hope, and with the right tools, you too, can reach sobriety. Contact us to join a community of people who really understand and begin your journey to the addiction-free future you deserve.