On September 19, 2024, a life-saving initiative took place at Leon High School, thanks to the efforts of dedicated Rotarians and community leaders. In a critical training session, local teachers were taught how to administer Naloxone, a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses. This training marks a significant step in the fight against the opioid crisis in our community.
The event brought together key figures who made the training possible. Amber Addario, Government Advocacy Manager with Hikma Pharmaceuticals, worked alongside Leon High School Principal Mark Bryan and Assistant Principal Christopher Warfel, who coordinated the logistics. Supporting them were Rotarians Alasdair Roe, Pam Irwin, Kim Koutnik, and Mariah Kill, who spearheaded the Rotary Club of Tallahassee’s involvement.
The importance of this training cannot be overstated. Opioid overdoses have devastated communities across the country, but there’s good news on the horizon. In Leon County, suspected opioid overdoses have decreased by 28% between July 2023 and July 2024, according to data from Leon County EMS. This decline is a promising sign that educational efforts like this training are working, empowering people with the tools and knowledge to make a life-saving impact.
Naloxone saves lives, but awareness and education are the keys to ensuring that it’s used effectively. The Rotary Club of Tallahassee is proud to be part of this crucial effort to equip teachers and others in our community to respond to overdoses swiftly and with confidence. The success of this training also gained media attention, spreading awareness even further and encouraging other organizations to schedule similar life-saving sessions.
We are making a difference, and together, we can save lives. For more information on this story, check out the news coverage here: WCTV Teacher Training.
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