Police Chief Rhonda Harris
By Jon Cawley
The Police Department was selected to lead a program, with their counterparts at the College of William and Mary, to obtain and train officers in the use of "Narcan," a highly effective rescue drug that counters the effects of opioid overdoses.
The Joint Naloxone Acquisition and Management Project is being funded by a 2018 Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant for $18,341 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
The grant provides funding for the purchase of Naloxone, which is marketed under the brand name "Narcan" kits and carrying cases for all officers of both departments to utilize in the event a narcotics overdose victim is in need of assistance.
Through the program, Old Dominion police will train William & Mary officers in the background, administration and care of Nasal Naloxone "Narcan," as well as the implementation of policy and procedure relating to the drug.
"Unfortunately, opioid abuse is pervasive in society and we are not immune," said Police Chief Rhonda Harris. "It's a much broader issue than just campus, and we want to ensure we are able to deliver life-saving treatment when necessary."
Harris said she anticipates the "Narcan" kits would be available to officers by the end of summer.
Additionally, the funding will be used to implement a prescription drug drop box program at the Police Department headquarters allowing individuals to safely dispose of expired or unneeded prescription drugs.
This service will support the Drug Enforcement Administration's "take back days" and will be available year-round in an effort to prevent drugs from getting into the wrong hands or disposed of incorrectly and potentially contaminating the municipal water supply.
