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Chewelah Police Department outfitted with Narcan — The Independent
(K.S. BROOKS/Chewelah Independent)
Opioid overdoses have reached epidemic proportions in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Chewelah Police Officers will now be carrying Narcan to help combat it.
Molly Corvino, Community Health Specialist for Northeast Tri County Health District, provided Narcan training to the department on February 8, 2019.
Corvino has trained and provided naloxone kits to the Newport Police Department, Pend Oreille Sheriff’s Office and Chewelah Police, and later this week she will do the same for the Ferry County Sheriff’s Office. It’s important for police departments to have access to the Narcan, Corvino said, because “Law enforcement officers often arrive at the scene of an overdose before emergency medical services, especially in rural areas. Earlier intervention is key since brain damage from lack of oxygen can begin in just minutes.”
Chewelah Police Chief Mark Burrows said, “Officers of the Chewelah PD are thankful to have Narcan for the purpose of protecting life in our community.
