Life-saving Narcan use expanding to rural counties

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- Another case of opioid overdose has required the use of Narcan, this time in rural Logan County.

On Wednesday afternoon, Logan County deputies recognized a person showing signs of opioid overdose, but they weren’t in possession of Narcan, a drug that counteracts the effects of opioids to prevent overdose deaths. So, Logan County deputies called the Warren County Sheriff’s Office for assistance.

The overdose victim was revived thanks to the use of Narcan.

“A couple of our deputies went into Logan County and were able to make contact, recognize the signs through their training that this person overdosed, and administered two doses of the Narcan,” said Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower.

Quick partnering of the two law enforcement agencies helped to save a life. Logan County Sheriff’s Department does not have its own supply of the drug.

“If the ebb and flow of the use of opioids continues, then I would probably see that more agencies would seek opportunities to seek grants or funding for having Narcan on their bodies as well,” said Hightower.

It’s no longer just big cities and metropolitan areas that are being affected by opioid abuse. The issue is creeping into smaller, more rural counties.

“The opioid epidemic is just expanding, and it’s now expanding into rural areas. It’s taking some time to get into this area, but it is coming. It’s unfortunate, but we need some help with it,” said Frank Vass Jackson, therapist at Journey Pure.

Jackson has seen firsthand the benefits of reviving overdose victims with Narcan.

“I’ve had several patients revived with Narcan, some several times.  It gave them the opportunity to look at life differently and get into recovery. Without the Narcan they would have never had that opportunity,” said Jackson.

As the opioid epidemic worsens, Narcan use will likely continue to be necessary in Bowling Green and the surrounding areas.