On Friday, Aug. 23, HWUSD teacher and staff attended a two-hour training on drug awareness and how to administer Naloxone, which, when given quickly to an opioid overdosing victim, can prevent deaths. Hayden Officer Nehrmeyer and Kearny Police Officer Rozzi conducted the collaborative training to share the hard-cold facts about the opioid epidemic in Arizona. The biggest reason that there is a significant increase in deaths is the drug is Fentanyl, which is added to opioids to make them more potent, but far more deadly as well.
“On small partial of Fentanyl, the size of a grain of salt added to oxytocin can be deadly,” said Rozzi, a certified Naloxone administration training specialist.
Officer Rozzi is on light duty because several months ago he was struck by a pick-up truck and faced life threatening injuries after responding to a call in Hayden. He was pulling a suspect over on Hwy. 177 when he was struck by a pick-up truck.
“I am happy to be back doing what I love again, which is being a law officer and helping keep our communities safe,” said Rozzi. He said, “this training teaches how to effectively administer Naloxone to anyone overdosing on opioids. The best part of the drug is that there is no lasting health risk and is highly effective. Naloxone saves lives if administered quickly during an overdose.”
“It is really scary, and I am very happy we received the training and will have Naloxone on site. We always prepare for the worst and pray for the best. Being prepared and aware of this grow epidemic was well worth our time,” said Leonor Hambly K-8 Principal Pam Gonzalez.
HWUSD Superintendent Jeff Gregorich added, “I was not aware of the dangers of touching pills with my bare hands. Understanding how dangerous these drugs are and being exposed by simply touching Fentanyl, will make me handle pills with gloves and be far more cautious.”
Officer Rozzi and Nehrmeyer will be providing more training to schools and the general public about the seriousness of this issue in the Copper Corridor over the coming months. The recent arrest of a local drug dealer selling opioids with Fentanyl in the Copper Corridor communities makes education on this issue very important. Also, being a border state with Mexico, which is the leading source of Fentanyl coming into our county, makes awareness of these drugs and how to potentially save lives by prevention critical.
Rozzi also added, “Naloxone is available for free at pharmacies. If there is an overdose from opioids, the quick administration of Naloxone can save lives.”