The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office is the latest local law agency to announce that their officers are now trained in and equipped with an antidote to opiate overdose. Naloxone, more commonly referred to by its brand name Narcan, has been distributed to local law agencies thanks to a grant received by TriCounty Health Department. An article from PoliceOne explains that an overdose on opiates makes the body forget to breathe and Narcan works by helping the body remember to breathe. Sheriff Vance Norton agrees with those who support the administration of the drug, pointing out that while it is not a cure for drug abuse it does save lives and buy time until a cure can be found. “With the drug problem in our community following the nation’s trends,” shares Sheriff Norton, “we need to continue to support the resources we have, such as the Uintah County Drug Court program, along with continuing to educate our children about the harmful effects of all drugs.” Sheriff Norton welcomes the community to contact the Sheriff’s Office at
435-789-2511
if interested in setting up a presentation on the local pain pill/heroin issue.
