On Thursday, August 25th leaders from Makin’ It Happen, CADCA, and across New Hampshire came together to show the innovative work being done to prevent overdose deaths in our communities.
Please check out a recording of the event (60) Makin’ It Happen – Overdose Prevention in Virtual Reality – YouTube.
Valentino Murphy, CADCA’s Chief of Staff, spoke of the national impact of overdose deaths and fentanyl, and how prevention coalitions are coming together to reduce substance misuse and prevent addiction. We were joined by Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge Jon DeLena of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division; Dave Mara, Governor Sununu’s Advisor on Addiction and Behavioral Health; Lt. Matthew Barter, Chief of Staff at the Manchester Police Department; Anna Thomas, Director of the Manchester Health Department; Jessica Bennett, Alcohol and Drug Counselor at Bedford High School; and Brian Mooney, Community of Care Manager at Makin’ It Happen.
We hope you’ll take a moment to review how New Hampshire is at the forefront of fighting against substance use disorder and opioid overdoses, as well as learn about new and upcoming initiatives that are already paving the future.
The event featured an innovative tool from our partners at Walmart, an engaging and easy-to-understand virtual reality-based introduction in overdose risk factors, recognition and response that can make viewers comfortable with administering naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug.
