NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull and S:US Host a Naloxone Training and Substance Use Education Session
H+H Hospital staff with S:US staff Sasha Gaye-Bailey, Angela Gralian, Khaliah Moore, Elan Quashie, and Lynda Jones-Johnson. Photo credit: NYC Health + Hospitals.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brooklyn, New York – February 1, 2024 – In response to the ongoing opioid crisis gripping communities across the nation, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull held a free comprehensive Naloxone Training and Substance Use Education Session in collaboration with Services for the UnderServed (S:US) in the auditorium. The session aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to recognize and reverse an opioid overdose, ultimately empowering them to save lives within their community. Attendees also received valuable education on substance use and addiction, fostering a deeper understanding of these critical issues.
Opening remarks were made by Matthew Warren, Director of Chemical Dependency, and Dr. Ross MacDonald, CMO, both staff at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “As overdose deaths continue to rise across the city and the nation, Woodhull is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for substance use disorders. Anyone who needs help should be able to find it here without feeling ashamed or stigmatized. We’re proud to share our treatment options with the community and to partner with Services for the UnderServed (S:US) to provide training for community members and access to Naloxone, a life-saving medication that all of us can use to help keep our communities safe,” said Dr. Ross MacDonald, CMO, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull.
The event was attended by Brooklyn’s District 34th Council Member, Jennifer Gutierrez, who underscored the significance of combating opioid overdoses and substance abuse in the community. “The difference between life and death for so many can be as simple as access to Narcan nearby. I’m thankful that Woodhull is part of the network of providers, ensuring that more of our community is knowledgeable of and has the training to administer this simple, life-saving medication,” said Jennifer Gutierrez, Council Member.
Mr. Elan Quashie, Director of the Opioid Overdose Prevention Program at S:US, demonstrated how to safely administer the Naloxone medication.
“The comprehensive session covered various aspects, including the identification of opioid overdose symptoms, proper administration of Naloxone, and post-reversal care. Empowering our community with Naloxone training is not just about saving lives—it’s about restoring hope and dignity to those struggling with opioid addiction. In the heart of New York City, where every individual matters, equipping ourselves with this life-saving tool is a testament to our commitment to compassion and solidarity in the face of adversity,” said Perry Perlmutter, CEO of Services for the UnderServed. “We are proud to partner with NYC Health + Hospitals on this important work.”
Additionally, Mr. Elan Quashie, Director of the Opioid Overdose Prevention Program, Services for the UnderServed (S:US), provided essential insights on Naloxone, how it works, and how to be prepared to prevent opioid overdoses. Mr. Quashie demonstrated how to safely administer the Naloxone medication.
The Services for the UnderServed (S:US) team shared details on available resources for individuals seeking help. A presentation showcased a groundbreaking initiative by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: a public health vending machine hosted by S:US. This innovative vending machine promotes 24/7 access to lifesaving harm reduction supplies, including Naloxone (Narcan®), hygiene kits, and safer sex kits, anonymously and conveniently.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull remains dedicated to serving as a beacon of health and safety in Brooklyn, fostering partnerships and initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of community members.
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About NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, part of the NYC Health + Hospitals health care system, is the major tertiary care provider in the borough of Brooklyn. It is a premiere health care organization for key specialties, including surgery, cardiology, women’s health, pediatrics, rehabilitation medicine, renal services, and behavioral health services. Last year, the hospital received close to 300,000 ambulatory care visits and close to 100,000 emergency room visits. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook.
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation, serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Services for the UnderServed (S:US)
S:US works with communities and individuals in every corner of the city and on Long Island to make sure every New Yorker has the chance to find home. We drive scalable solutions to transform the lives of people with disabilities, people facing substance use and behavioral health challenges, people in poverty, and people facing homelessness-solutions that contribute to righting societal imbalances. We envision a city where everyone has a roof over their head, is healthy, productive, and can enjoy the social connections that create a life of purpose. We’re a nonprofit with a staff of 1,800 that provides $273 million in services. Our efforts are supported by various local, state, and federal government entities, as well as foundations, corporations, and individual donors. For more information, visit sus.org.