Dutchess County led New York State in 2020 (the most recent data available) in drug overdose death, according to a November 2022 Office of the Comptroller report.

During that same year, Narcan was administered 76 times and there were 49 deaths in the county, according to a presentation from the county at PHS.

Narcan is a nasal spray that, when given to a person who has overdosed on opioids, temporarily blocks the receptors for between 30 and 90 minutes, during which time the person should receive medical care. If proper care isn’t received, they could overdose again.

The county’s Breaking Through program offers resources for residents, including Narcan training.

Staff received training in how to administer Narcan so that if the need arose, more members of the community would be aware of the signs and be able to help until medical personnel could respond.