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Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone)

 

 

What is Project DAWN?

Project DAWN is a community-based drug overdose prevention and education project. Project DAWN participants receive training on:

  • Recognizing the signs and symptoms of overdose
  • Distinguishing between different types of overdose
  • Performing rescue breathing
  • Calling emergency medical services
  • Administering intranasal Naloxone

Project DAWN Sites

Currently there are two Project DAWN sites in Ohio:

Portsmouth City Health Department
605 Washington Street
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
Phone: (740) 353-8863 / Extension 234
www.portsmouthhealthdept.org

The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland
12201 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 721-4010 or (216) 778-7878
www.thefreeclinic.org

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a 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 and has only one function: to reverse the effects of opioids on the brain and respiratory system in order to prevent death. Naloxone has no potential for abuse.

If Naloxone is given to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, it is harmless. If naloxone is administered to a person who is dependent on opioids, it will produce withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal, although uncomfortable, is not life-threatening.

Naloxone does not reverse overdoses that are caused by non-opioid drugs, such as cocaine, benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanex, Klonopin and Valium), methamphetamines, or alcohol. 

According to a recent CDC Publication, between 1996 and June 2010, a total of 53,032 individuals have been trained and given Naloxone by overdose prevention programs.  During that same time period, these programs have received reports of 10,171 overdose reversals using Naloxone.

Project DAWN Resources

Project DAWN Fact Sheet

Project DAWN Brochure - Portsmouth

Quick Reference Guide - Portsmouth

CDC Report: Community-Based Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs Providing Naloxone - United States, 2010

Overdose Prevention Education Video 

Part 1

Part 2

Click here to view the full version of the Project DAWN Portsmouth education video

Click here to view the full version of the Project DAWN Cuyahoga education video


Last Reviewed 3/12/13