KINGWOOD — A search for naloxone led a Kingwood police officer to the Monongalia County Quick Response Team.
“I was responding to overdose calls, and I would get to the scene before the ambulance. I didn’t have the equipment I needed to help the person,” Officer Gina McNemar said.
McNemar said she went online and was searching for naloxone for the city police department. When she couldn’t find what she was looking for, she called the probation office. They put her in touch with the QRT.
“They (QRT) were able to get me the naloxone, peer cards and a way to bring a quick response team to Preston County,” McNemar said.
She said last year there was 62 overdose calls to 911 made in Preston County. Ten were calls that went to the Kingwood City Police.
McNemar said the number of overdoses in the county could be even higher. She said if an individual dies at the scene or dies from an overdose before EMS arrives, it is listed as a death and does not go on the overdose call list.
“I was trying to find naloxone because we (police officers) are sometimes the first people on the scene,” she said. “We’re out there without the proper equipment to help.”
Joe Klass, Monongalia County Health Department’s Threat Preparedness specialist and a member of the Monongalia County QRT, said the team reduces drug overdose injuries and fatalities by providing recovery services.
He said the services, which are also listed on the peer card, provide access to overdose prevention, naloxone providers, syringe exchange, shelter, food and clothing, medical and mental health care, detox, inpatient and outpatient drug treatment, 12-step programs and contact information for those wanting help.
“Often law enforcement is first on the scene,” he said. “They benefit by having the training (on how to use naloxone).”
He said sometimes the person who overdosed wakes up and wants to leave before EMS gets there. When this happens, the officer responding to the call can give him or her a peers card.
McNemar said she has responded to overdose calls and the person who overdosed doesn’t want her help.
“They see my uniform, and they are afraid they will get in trouble or be arrested,” she said. “Or they are afraid I’ll tell their parents (if it’s a teen). We don’t want people to be addicted to drugs. We want to help. That’s why were trying to take drugs off the streets.”
McNemar said she would like to see a QRT team in Preston County.
“I’m not sure how long it would take to put one together, maybe by mid-2022. Contact would have to be made with the health department and the county commission,” she said.
Klass said there is an interest in forming a QRT in Preston County. He said every county is different. In Monongalia County the QRT is a collaboration among first responders, public health, peer recovery coaches and other health care and private partners dedicated to providing immediate and long-term help to those struggling with substance abuse.
The Mon County QRT can be reached at 304-602-3305, which is not an emergency number, or by emailing wvpeers@gmail.com
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