Naloxone (or Narcan) is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids (heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications).

The Rensselaer County Department of Health offers training to the Rensselaer community on the benefits of using Narcan during a suspected drug overdose and how to administer it to someone in need. All attendees receive a free Narcan kit with the completion of training.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, builds an understanding of their impact, and provides an overview of common support resources.

This course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help and connections to the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care. The program also teaches the common risk factors and warning signs of specific types of illnesses (anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and schizophrenia).

Participants who successfully complete the 8-hour course will receive a three-year training certification.

The Bystander Intervention Training helps students develop the skills necessary to intervene in potentially harmful situations while keeping themselves and others safe.

This program utilizes evidence-based research to address six common areas of risky behavior and situations found among college students, including:

• Substance use and misuse
• Hazing
• Sexual misconduct
• Intimate partner violence
• Mental health emergencies
• Physical emergencies