photo by: Shelley Hanson

Mark Kennedy and Tina Vetanze of the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department are hand for HIV testing and to sign up people for the needle exchange during the Save A Life Day in Wheeling on Thursday.

WHEELING — People struggling with drug addiction or those trying to help loved ones get clean took advantage of free naloxone and other resources during National Save a Life Day in Wheeling on Thursday.

Members of the Ohio County Family Resource Network, Youth Services System, Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department, the AIDS Task Force of the Upper Ohio Valley and a few volunteers were on hand for the event held on 18th Street near the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center.

Claudia Raymer, executive director of the Ohio County FRN, said the group anticipated giving out about 70 naloxone kits, but they brought 100 kits just in case more people showed up.

Naloxone, often referred to by the brand name Narcan, is a drug used to reverse the effects of opioids when someone is overdosing. It is meant to keep the person alive until they can get to a hospital for more treatment. The doses are sprayed into the overdosing person’s nose.

Meanwhile, the health department was offering HIV testing on site and signing people up for the department’s needle exchange program. Using clean needles and not sharing needles with others helps prevent the transmission of diseases.

“Harm reduction saves lives,” Raymer said, referring to the resources, policies and tools used in substance abuse recovery. “We are so proud of anyone who has been able to achieve and maintain recovery. You can only get to recovery if you’re alive. So harm reduction is a second chance for people to recover. People can and do recover. This is about helping people and meeting people where they are.”

She noted the groups don’t want to lose members of the community through overdose deaths.

“Overdose deaths have decreased by 36% this year. We know harm reduction works,” Raymer said.

She added harm reduction works best when coupled with behavioral health. A recovery coach was on site to talk to people asking for naloxone about treatment options for themselves or loved ones.

“We know when we approach people with an open mind and an open heart they’re more likely to seek treatment,” Raymer added.

For those who didn’t get a chance to visit Thursday’s event, free naloxone and needles can be picked up at the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department, 1500 Chapline St., Wheeling.