What is Project DAWN?
Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) is a community-based overdose education and Naloxone distribution program funded by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and was created to combat Ohio’s opioid overdose epidemic.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone (also known as Narcan®) is an intranasal spray medication that can reverse an overdose that is caused by an opioid drug. When administered during an overdose, Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores breathing within two to eight minutes. Naloxone has been used safely by emergency medical professionals for more than 40 years with a single primary goal: reversing the effects of opioids on the brain and respiratory system in order to prevent death.
It is important to note that Naloxone has no potential for abuse. When given to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, Naloxone is harmless. If Naloxone is administered to a person who is dependent on opioids, but not experiencing an active overdose, it will produce symptoms similar to drug withdrawal. Withdrawal, although uncomfortable, is not life-threatening.
Naloxone does not reverse overdoses that are caused by non-opioid drugs such as cocaine, benzodiazepines (such as Xanax®, Klonopin® and Valium®), methamphetamines or alcohol.
Who is Naloxone for?
Naloxone is intended to be administered to someone who is experiencing an active overdose from an opioid drug.
It can be administered by anyone trained to recognize the signs of an active overdose and the process for administering Naloxone intranasally to the patient.
The ATGC offers training and access to Naloxone kits to all Ohio residents. Whether you are caring for a patient that uses opioids to manage pain, know someone with an opioid addiction or are currently struggling with opioid addiction — getting trained and picking up a kit can help save a life.
How do I get trained to use Naloxone?
All individuals interested in accessing a Naloxone kit must participate in our free online training.
Training covers the following topics:
- Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a drug overdose
- Distinguishing between different types of overdoses
- Performing rescue breathing
- Calling Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- Administering intranasal Naloxone to help prevent death from opioid overdose
You can begin the training process by watching the short video below. Once you’ve watched the complete video, you will need to complete a short intake form that will allow us to schedule your Naloxone kit pick-up or drop-off.
Project DAWN Naloxone Training Video
Project DAWN Naloxone Kit Intake Form
What if I have more questions?
The best partners in fighting Ohio’s opioid epidemic are well informed partners. That said, we are available to answer any additional questions you might have about Project DAWN, Naloxone, opioid addiction or anything related to saving the lives of individuals struggling with opioid abuse.
Please give us a call at the (216) 621-0766 extension 2909 or email us at projectdawn@clevelandtaskforce.org.