Overdose Prevention Committee Attends Its Second Health Fair of the Spring Semester

Written by Aicha Naouai (Class of 2027)

The Overdose Prevention Committee (OPC) from the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine spent another weekend working towards their goal of reducing overdose deaths in the Central Valley. This time around, the group provided harm reduction resources at a local Health Fair in Selma, CA.

The health fair was organized in partnership with the Health Disparities Program at the West Fresno Family Resource Center (WFFRC). This program is designed to identify the area’s health inequities and address them by offering community members resources. The health fair featured free primary health check-ups, Medi-Cal enrollment and guidance, health and wellness education, and access to local community resources. Attendees were entered into a prize raffle if they visited every resource table, a successful incentive to increase engagement.

OPC offered attendees information on how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, which can include unconsciousness, decreased breathing and heart rate, cold clammy skin, bluish lips, and small “pinpoint” pupils. Attendees were trained how to respond to a suspected overdose and administer intranasal naloxone (Narcan).

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose to restore normal breathing. In cases where bystanders are uncertain if an individual overdosed on opioids, bystanders are encouraged to still administer naloxone because it will not cause harm.

The training emphasized the importance of administering naloxone if available, calling 911, and starting CPR if no pulse is detected in a timely manner to optimize patient outcomes. Attendees received free intranasal naloxone, as well as fentanyl testing strips, another harm reduction resource that allows people to test their drugs before using them to ensure they are not laced with fentanyl.

OPC will continue to participate in local Health Fairs to share essential knowledge and provide vital resources that allow community members to effectively respond in emergency situations.