Special to Lake Okeechobee News
OKEECHOBEE -- Okeechobee County Sheriff Noel Stephen and the Hanley Foundation, through the efforts of Casey Rogers, are making lifesaving NARCAN available and accessible to the Okeechobee Community.
As the illegal use, manufacture, and importation of fentanyl in the United States is increasing, the number of deaths resulting from unknown exposure to drugs has risen drastically.
NARCAN reverses opioid effects through a nasal-style spray. In the past two years in Okeechobee, NARCAN has saved the lives of countless people (including law enforcement) and animals, even a child under three years of age last year due to accidental exposure.
Recently an 8-month pregnant Clewiston woman and her unborn child passed away due to an accidental exposure within her neighborhood.
"Fentanyl does not discriminate between drug addicts or non-users, a child, an older adult, emergency service personnel, or even you who may become accidentally exposed at the gas station or grocery store. If we save a single life, we save a life. It's that simple. We're excited about partnerships like this that help our community," said Sheriff Stephen.
At the OCSO administrative office, 504 NW Fourth St., Okeechobee, Florida, 34972 between the public restrooms, there is a NARCAN cabinet that is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will be maintained by the Hanley Foundation.
![At the OCSO administrative office, 504 NW 4th St., Okeechobee, Florida, 34972 between the public restrooms, there is a NARCAN cabinet that is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will be maintained by the Hanley Foundation. [Courtesy photo]](/uploads/original/20240221-093537-NARCAN.jpg)
