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Mahajan Therapeutics, Harm Reduction Ohio, work to combat drug OD's by handing out Narcan


Mahajan Therapeutics, Harm Reduction Ohio, work to combat drug OD's by handing out Narcan (Photo by Dayton 24/7 Now)
Mahajan Therapeutics, Harm Reduction Ohio, work to combat drug OD's by handing out Narcan (Photo by Dayton 24/7 Now)
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DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- The number of deaths due to drug overdoses are increasing year by year, with over 81,000 people dying in the united states over the 12 months ending in May 2020, and over 4,000 people in Ohio losing their lives. In an effort to combat these disquieting statistics, Harm Reduction Ohio and Mahajan Therapeutics teamed up to provide free Narcan training and kits to the local community.

The nonprofits gathered to distribute Narcan to the community and teach people how to use it. Narcan is the number one line of defense for opioids to the people on the streets, and “people are dying because they don’t have ready access to it,” says Tonja Catron, the chapter director for Miami County Harm Reduction Ohio and a housing coordinator and therapist with Mahajan Therapeutics.

Catron says that anybody who caries Narcan with them can have the opportunity to save somebody’s life, because not all people who use drugs looks the same – sometimes they’re even the person pumping gas next to you at the gas station. “If everyone is carrying it, then we can keep everyone alive.”

“We just want to keep the community safe, because we know that dead people don’t recover,” explained Catron.

Harm Reduction Ohio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and it gets its Narcan through grant money. In 2020, it distributed over 12 thousand Narcan kits throughout Ohio, making it the number Narcan provider, and providing people the opportunity to save hundreds or even thousands of lives.

“I think it’s amazing,” said Deserai Raleigh, a former patient who has been sober for around a year. “It’s the best way to help people who are in addiction without pushing recovery on them, because sometimes you’re not ready.”

She attended the event to share her personal story, and to also help pass out Narcan. “It’s always better to have it than not have it,” she said. “Even if you’re using with somebody don’t die because you don’t want to ask for help or get the Narcan.”

When she OD’d in her father’s bathroom a year ago, Raleigh didn’t think she would ever reach the point that she’s at now, but working with Mahajan Therapeutics has brought her a new lease on life. “This has changed my life because of them,” she said. “They aren’t easy on you, they push you, but they help you as they push you.”

When asked about people who don’t think it’s a good idea to keep on handing out Narcan to people who won’t stop using opioids, Raleigh said that saving lives is never a bad thing to do. “Just because we’re in addiction don’t mean we’re bad people, and doesn’t mean we deserve to die,” she said.

“I know that it’s hard and it’s scary to get sober,” she added, addressing people who are still struggling with addiction. “But at the end of the day I promise you it’s worth it. You just have to fight.”

If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, you are invited to call Mahajan Therapeutics at 937-275-1500. “We just want to help you recover, whatever that looks like for you,” Catron said.

To learn more about Mahajan Therapeutics, go here.

If you would like to order a supply of Narcan to help decrease the number of Opioid deaths, go here.

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