Oneida County Overdose Response Team Establishes Narcan Pilot Program with Utica Fire Department

Kits Provided by Midstate EMS as Part of ‘Leave Behind Program’

The Oneida County Overdose Response Team has teamed up with the Utica Fire Department and Midstate EMS to launch the county’s first Narcan Leave Behind Program.

“Oneida County’s Overdose Response Team has been actively working to share important real-time overdose data that is used not only to identify problems, but to drive targeted and collaborative actions like this program to address them,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “We applaud the City of Utica and Midstate EMS for being the first to launch this program in the county and for supporting our efforts to expand access to Narcan. We understand that Narcan is not the solution to the overdose crisis, but we know that every time it’s successfully used, it gives someone another chance to get help and find their path to recovery and returns them back to their loved ones.”

As part of the program, kits which include a single-step 4 mg Narcan nasal spray dose, an instructional handout for administering and a pocket card with contact information for Oneida County opioid addiction services, will be left with patients who are treated by the Utica Fire Department for an opioid overdose or who are determined to be high-risk.

“We all know someone who has been negatively impacted by opioid abuse, and in combatting this epidemic it is important to build partnerships and do everything possible to prevent tragic outcomes,” said Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri. “I am pleased the City of Utica is joining Oneida County and Midstate EMS in the Leave Behind Program as these kits can help save the lives of individuals in our community.”

According to the Oneida County Overdose Response team’s ODMAP data, which tracks overdoses in real time, a high number of overdoses occur within the City of Utica. Picente said that is why it was important to establish the program there first with the hopes that other municipal first responders, fire departments or law enforcement agencies will follow suit and institute Leave Behind Programs as well.

Midstate EMS received the kits at no cost from the New York State Department of Health for distribution to EMS or law enforcement agencies that agree to implement the program.

“The Midstate EMS Region is excited to partner with Utica Fire Department and Oneida County in this life saving Leave Behind Program," said Midstate EMS Program Director Dan Broedel. “This program has the potential to make a profound impact in the number of lives it saves in our community.”