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New York State Fair will offer Narcan training this year

Between the 25 cent milk and funnel cake, Narcan training will also be available at the New York State Fair.

This is the first time the opioid reversing drug will be available at the fair, with trainings every day, provided by the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

Rob Kent is the General Council at that office, and says even though its unusual setting, New Yorkers need to be aware that “we’re in a major crisis here with opioids."

He says it’s just another way to get the lifesaving drug into the hands of more New Yorkers.

"The beauty of it is that it saves a life and gives us an opportunity to help that person and more permanently save their life, get to a point of recovery so it’s been an absolutely essential tool in an effort to reverse what we're up against."

Kent says the fair is about helping New Yorkers so this was an important opportunity to take advantage of.

He says they estimate having trained over 300,000, people in Narcan administering thus far.

The fight against addiction will take center stage at the fair Friday August 31st, International Overdose Awareness Day. The day will feature support services, and additional narcan training sessions.

Copyright 2018 WXXI News

Caitlin Whyte
Caitlin joins WXXI after working down the street at Stephens Media Group where, she co hosted a children's radio show, "Saturday Morning CarTunes" on WARM 101.3 and worked as a traffic reporter for various affiliates.