Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing and save the life of a person who is overdosing on opioids. In 2015, over 33,000 people died from an overdose on opioid drugs, including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and fentanyl. Naloxone is a safe medication that is widely used by emergency medical personnel and other first responders to prevent opioid overdose deaths.
Naloxone is now available at pharmacies and covered by OHIP for use by patients. Should you or someone you know be at risk for opiate overdose, please speak to your pharmacist for more information on how you can obtain a kit. Training will be given and you will learn how to safely and properly administer naloxone in case of emergency.
Jennifer Heipel has approximately 12 years of experience working as a hepatology nurse/clinical research coordinator for several gastroenterologists, hepatologists, infectious diseases and addiction specialists. She is trained in the treatment of Hepatitis B and C therapies as well as general hepatology and pre/post liver transplant follow up. Jennifer serves as Charlton Health’s full time Hepatology Nurse and manages the Hepatology Program. She has worked and continues to work with Dr. Puglia at McMaster University and other area Gastroenterologists to develop a comprehensive, in-house Hepatology program and Hepatitis C program here at Charlton Health.