Lewiston to host overdose prevention presentation

By Madeline Dorobiala

The Lewiston Community Lions Club will work with Niagara Falls-based addiction rehabilitation center Northpointe Council to present an opioid prevention presentation inside the Red Brick Municipal Building gym, 145 N. Fourth St.

At last Monday’s municipal board meeting, Northpointe Behavioral Health Compliance Officer Deborah Hamilton explained the collaboration to the Village of Lewiston Board.

“We would like to present on medication appearance, and Narcan for opioid overdose prevention,” Hamilton said.

“It’s about the services that are available in the community,” she added.

Mayor Dan Cota and the board listened to Hamilton’s request.

He said, “My feeling on this is that this is one of those things that nobody wants to talk about, but I think needs to be talked about. I feel as though it’s a situation where we can provide some value to the village residents and give them a way that they can get this information locally. I would like to embrace this direction and work to coordinate getting them the gym space to organize this presentation.”

The board didn’t express any concerns about this presentation. The Lions Club will sponsor the event with refreshments.

“Free’s good; free training is always good,” Deputy Mayor Tina Coppins said.

Northpointe’s prevention department is responsible for educating and providing prevention services throughout Niagara County schools, at community events and when services are requested.

“I saw an opportunity to connect that work with the Lewiston Community Lions Club’s humanitarian mission by bringing a free medication/Narcan training directly to the Lewiston community,” Lion Regina Cecconi said.

Cecconi said she hopes to bring awareness and inform people about Northpointe Council since it’s been around for over 55 years.

Narcan kits will be available for attendees to take home at the Lewiston event.

A date has yet to be determined. The Lions Club is working with the Recreation Department on gym availability.