CHSU-COM Overdose Prevention Task Force Provides Naloxone Training to Student Doctors
November 6, 2023
By Francisco Ibarra, PharmD, BCCCP, Adjunct Assistant Professor
On November 3, Overdose Prevention Task Force (OPTF) at the California Health Sciences University (CHSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine trained ten, third-year medical students on how to administer naloxone, a life-saving medication that can rapidly and temporarily reverse an opioid overdose when given in an emergency.
This event was held to provide naloxone training to third-year medical student who were unable to attend one of the prior OPTF naloxone trainings on CHSU campus outside of their academic schedule for clinical rotations.
George Hourany, third-year medical student, attended and reported, “I personally wanted to be more knowledgeable about substance abuse disorder and I thought attending the workshop was super helpful. Hope it continues to be offered to students!”
The OPTF organized event reviewed the effects of opioids, signs of an opioid overdose, and opioid-related overdose rates in the Central Valley. The presentation was followed by several OPTF members training the third-year medical student on how to administer naloxone and provide care to an individual who does or does not positively respond to naloxone.
Ranvir Johal, second-year medical student, was an OPTF naloxone trainer who volunteered at this event because he believes in the OPTF’s harm reduction approach to the overdose crisis is human-centered and extremely impactful.
“A large part of harm reduction is the availability and ease of access to Narcan, so the more people we can educate about Narcan and get trained, the safer our communities will be,” said Ranvir Johal. “The event was a massive success as we trained third-year medical students who are on their clinical rotations and will be interacting with the Central Valley community. They will not only be better equipped to respond to an overdose but also provide critical education about Narcan to those who need it most.”
COM students, faculty, and staff interested in receiving naloxone training may contact OPTF Internal Education sub-chair, Natalie Yousef, for more information.