Local organization launching app aimed at reducing opioid overdose deaths

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind.,  --- Amid a rise in overdose deaths across the nation and in Michiana, a local organization called Naxos Neighbors is launching a new app to try and prevent them and they’ve called on community members to help with their efforts.

Naxos Neighbors is hoping to use its new app to combat overdose deaths.

They are calling on community members to become trained responders, to help stop overdoes before they turn fatal.

“We’re training community members to be responders to opioid overdoes,” said Adam Scholz, the Chief Technology Officer of Naxos Neighbors.

The organization said the new “Naxos OD” app will work to connect someone experiencing a drug overdose with a trained community responder in the area carrying Naloxone, an emergency treatment that can be used to help reverse overdoses.

“This app is also one of these resources that you can go to and say oh let me find some help for opioids and later on help for mental health and other resources that are out here,” explained Scholz.

Tuesday night’s community response training came as the U.S. and Michiana continues to record a rise in opioid related overdose deaths.

St. Joseph County saw 97 overdose deaths last year alone, 40% of which officials believe could have been prevented.

"The apps importance is having a one button press to get help because we’re around everywhere. They say it’s just as important to have Naloxone on or near you so that you can help save a life,” Scholz.

“If we can provide care and help save lives potentially that’s something we really want to do,” added Annie Morejon & Patrick McGuire who participated in training.

Naxos said they hoped the training not only showed community members how to use their app, but also other ways to help stop the rapid rise in overdose deaths.

“We’re also offering info sessions and education. So, the more people that are educated about opioids and overdoses and what the stigma and signs of overdoes are, they can help break those stigmas,” Scholz.

About 30 community members signed up to responders and Tuesday's training was a part of a series of others ahead the app set to launch June 13th.

The organization said responders will also notify 911 if they do receive a call but the app does also have an anonymity feature.

More details about the app and how to volunteer can be found here.