Medical Center EMS highlights Narcan, education ahead of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – As National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day approaches Aug. 21, local EMS officials are highlighting the importance of education, quick access to Narcan and knowing how to respond to a suspected overdose.

Michael Lasala, an EMS field supervisor with Medical Center EMS, said fentanyl overdoses have decreased locally, but the drug remains a concern in the community.

“Right now, to be honest with you, the fentanyl overdoses have decreased, which is a great thing because of Narcan and the availability of Narcan,” Lasala said.

Kentucky recorded 1,110 resident drug overdose deaths in 2025, a 22.9% decrease from 1,439 deaths in 2024, according to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. Fentanyl was identified through toxicology in 504 of those deaths, accounting for 45.4% of the total. (Office of Drug Control Policy⁠)

Warren County also saw a decrease in overdose deaths. The Warren County Coroner’s Office reported 14 overdose deaths in 2025, compared with 15 in 2024. The coroner’s office said fentanyl-related deaths also declined.

Lasala said education remains an important part of preventing overdoses and helping people respond when one occurs.

He said someone who suspects an opioid overdose should call 911 immediately, support the person’s airway if possible and stay with the person until emergency crews arrive.

“Hopefully they’re trained in CPR or can open their airway or just support them and stay with them and get 911 contacted and in route as quickly as possible,” Lasala said.

Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, can reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain and restoring breathing. Kentucky’s Office of Drug Control Policy recommends calling 911 during an emergency and administering naloxone when available. (Office of Drug Control Policy⁠)

Lasala said Medical Center EMS also uses “leave-behind” kits after certain suspected opioid overdose calls. The kits can provide Narcan to family members or friends who may be present, particularly when someone has experienced a previous overdose.

“It’s a lifesaving drug. It is a reversal agent,” Lasala said. “It blocks the opioid effects in the brain and can bring a person back.”

The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported that 182,810 doses of Narcan were distributed in Kentucky in 2025.

Lasala said Medical Center EMS also works with local schools to educate teachers, administrators, staff and students about opioids.

“We try to get that education out as early as possible,” he said.

For parents, Lasala recommends encouraging children to speak up if they encounter an unknown substance.

He said children should not touch the substance and should instead alert a parent, teacher or another trusted adult.

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is observed each year on Aug. 21. The day is intended to raise awareness about illicit fentanyl, remember people who have died from fentanyl-related overdoses and promote prevention and education.