YMCA Together has revealed that its staff have administered medicine that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses a remarkable 78 times in under three years.
Naloxone, often referred to as the “overdose antidote,” is a critical tool in combating the opioid crisis. Its timely administration can mean the difference between life and death for people experiencing an overdose.
YMCA Together’s life-saving interventions highlight the stark reality faced by those in Merseyside who are struggling with the potentially deadly consequences of addiction.
All staff members at the Liverpool-based charity undergo comprehensive drug awareness training to recognise the signs of opioid overdose and administer Naloxone safely. This training empowers them to respond swiftly to emergencies and reinforces the organisation’s commitment to the community’s most vulnerable members.
Robbie Dreha, team leader and trainer, said: “Naloxone has been one of the most positive interventions in terms of helping drug users. It’s an effective drug that’s helped us save many people’s lives when they’ve overdosed. The synthetic opioids that are available now are getting stronger, so to have something available that quickly counteracts them makes such a difference.”
YMCA Together also trains select groups of residents to use the medicine and administer it to their fellow residents.
Robbie added: “There have been several instances when residents have used Naloxone to save their friends’ lives, and that’s been really emotional for them. It’s often friends who alert us to someone having overdosed, so to be able to actually save them is powerful.”
YMCA Together has taken proactive measures to equip its staff with the necessary training to administer Naloxone effectively. It holds monthly training sessions with team members to teach them how to distribute the medicine and deal with the individual.
Ellie McNeil, CEO of YMCA Together, said: “Our mission at YMCA Together goes beyond providing services; it’s about saving lives and offering hope to those in need. The number of Naloxone administrations underscores the severity of the crisis and shows organisations like ours play a vital role in addressing it.
“Our staff are dedicated to making sure individuals experiencing an overdose receive the immediate assistance they need. By arming our team with the tools and knowledge to administer Naloxone, we’re making a difference in the fight against overdoses.”
The 78 instances of Naloxone administration by YMCA Together are a reminder of the ongoing challenges of substance misuse and addiction and highlight the importance of YMCA Together’s proactive intervention and community support.
Ellie added: “Our staff show exceptional professionalism and resilience. While their tasks are demanding, their adept handling of difficult situations demonstrates their unwavering support for the people they work with. They are dedicated, compassionate, and want to do all they can to help people experiencing challenging times.”
Photo L to R: Paul McGuinness, Natasha Chigora, Calum Price, Robbie Dreha, Brian Riddell – relational support worker, Miracle Fasunle, Klevar Ocholi.
