Churches, Narcan, And Saving Lives

Send us Fan MailPresented by: Rev. Wes Pitts, First Presbyterian Church (Reidsville, NC)A single nasal spray can turn a silent crisis into a second chance—and many of those chances unfold in everyday places like sanctuaries, parking lots, and fellowship halls. We walk through a practical, compassionate training for faith leaders and community members on recognizing an opioid overdose and using naloxone (Narcan) to save a life, weaving a clear moral call—do good when someone is in the pit—with concrete steps anyone can follow.We start by demystifying opioids and naloxone: what these drugs do in the body, why fentanyl changes the risk picture, and how an opioid antagonist quickly restores breathing. From there, we map the response timeline in plain language: signs to look for, how to attempt to wake someone, when and how to call 911, and the exact technique for nasal administration, including when to deliver a second dose. We also explain rescue breathing, recovery positioning, and the critical importance of monitoring for 30 to 90 minutes after reversal since naloxone can wear off before the opioid does.Legal clarity removes hesitation. We outline Good Samaritan protections for callers and patients, naloxone access laws that shield good-faith responders, and the standing orders that allow churches and nonprofits to distribute kits with basic instructions. You’ll hear practical tips on where to obtain naloxone—health departments, pharmacies, harm reduction agencies, and grants—how much it costs, how to store it, and why pairing kits with AEDs makes sense. Finally, we address the human moment after revival: withdrawal symptoms, safety, de-escalation, and connecting people to treatment and mental health support without judgment.If you serve a congregation, volunteer in your neighborhood, or just want to be ready to help, this training offers step-by-step guidance, legal reassurance, and a hopeful path forward. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who could use it, and leave a review to help more communities learn how to save a life.Follow us on Instagram @guilfordparkpresbyterianchurchFollow us on Facebook @guilfordparkpcFollow us on TikTok @guilfordparkpreschurchWebsite:  www.guilfordpark.org