MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — Marco Island police officers will now be able to deploy Narcan nasal spray.
When administered, Narcan counteracts the effects of an opioid overdose.
This past month Marco Island police officers received training from Collier County Emergency Medical Services to administer the life-saving drug.
Officials say often times they are the first on the scene of a drug overdose situation, so the quick deployment of Narcan is essential to save lives.
Right now, the department has over 20 units of Narcan that were donated by the non-profit organization, Families of Grace.
Families of Grace is a non-profit organization based in Collier County, whose mission is not only to save lives by educating the community on the use of Narcan nasal spray, but also to lift the stigma surrounding addiction.
"You know they're not junkies; they're people that are struggling. With any substance use disorder, there's a lot of mental issues, and of course, the families are struggling too. That's why I started Families of Grace," said Denise Holmes, Founder of Families of Grace.
Families of Grace (F.O.G) travels monthly to locations around Southwest Florida to empower people in recovery.
Once a month, F.O.G gives backpacks to the homeless that are equipped with hygiene products, clothes, food, and Narcan nasal spray.
Holmes says even if the person is not an addict themselves, by them having Narcan, they could save someone's life.
To donate to Families of Grace, you can click here.
