Project DAWN

Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) is a community-based overdose education and naloxone distribution program that was created as a way to combat Ohio’s opioid overdose epidemic.

Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (heroin or prescription pain medications). When administered during an overdose, Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restores breathing.

Naloxone has been used safely by emergency medical professionals for more than 40 years and has only this one critical function: to reverse the effects of opioids in order to prevent overdose death.

Key Points:

Naloxone has no potential for abuse.
If given to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, it is harmless.
If administered to a person who is dependent on opioids, it will produce non-life threatening withdrawal symptoms.
It does not reverse overdoses that are caused by non-opioid drugs, such as cocaine, benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin,Valium), methamphetamines or alcohol.

It takes less than 30 minutes to obtain a kit that could save a life. Attendees learn to:

Recognize the signs and symptoms of overdose
Distinguish between different types of overdose
Perform rescue breathing
Call emergency medical services
Administer intranasal Naloxone

The kit includes:

2 - 4mg doses of Narcan Nasal Spray
1 pair of nitrile gloves
1 face shield
1 educational DVD
1 educational booklet

How do I get a Project DAWN kit:

You may obtain a naloxone kit for free through Hancock Public Health's Project DAWN program. Walk-in's are accepted, however, it is preferred that you schedule an appointment in order to ensure a staff member will be available to complete the education and distribution with you.

1) Watch the “Naloxone Project DAWN training video”on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dBF0ovVWPYc

2) Call Gary Bright or Jamie Decker at Hancock Public Health 419-424-7420 (or email gbright@hancockph.com / jdecker@hancockph.com ) to answer a few simple questions and arrange safe pick up or delivery of your kit.

If you would prefer to receive your kit by mail, visit https://www.naloxoneforall.org/hro to receive a free kit from Harm Reduction Ohio.

or visit The Ohio Department of Health's Project DAWN Website

Project DAWN kits are free. Donations are accepted but not required.

Project DAWN Training Video

Project DAWN Flyer