New York’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports says 13 faith communities participated in the latest GRACE overdose-prevention initiative.
The agency said participating groups held community events and distributed 325 naloxone kits, about 1,400 medication-disposal pouches and 370 medication lock bags. Faith leaders also received training intended to help them connect people with prevention, treatment, harm-reduction and recovery resources.
GRACE stands for Guiding Recovery and Creating Empowerment. State officials say the program works through trusted local institutions to reduce stigma and make lifesaving supplies easier to obtain.
Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose. Anyone who suspects an overdose should call 911 and administer naloxone if it is available.
