Learn about the opioid crisis, get Narcan training, free sample at Feb. 6 meeting

Union members, Labor and community leaders and the general public will have the opportunity to learn about the opioid crisis, receive training on how to administer Narcan and get a free sample of the life-saving drug on Wednesday, Feb. 6.

The event, being held as part of Kevin FitzGerald’s Wednesday Night Breakfast Club, will begin at 6 p.m. at United Food & Commercial Workers Local 655’s Union Hall at 300 Weidman Road in Ballwin. FitzGerald is an activist and a Heat & Frost Insulators Local 1 retiree.

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, there were 760 opioid-related deaths in the St. Louis region in 2017. That’s a seven percent increase from the year before and accounts for 70 percent of opioid-related deaths in Missouri.

Chad Sabora, co-founder and executive director of the Missouri Network for Opiate Reform and Recovery in South St. Louis, will be the guest speaker. Sabora, who has been in recovery since 2011, will delve into the history of the opioid crisis and discuss what’s being done to remedy the situation. 

Additionally, Sabora will demonstrate how to use Narcan, which can help reverse an opioid overdose, and will provide each attendee with a free sample of the opioid overdose treatment.

“Many different people can benefit by attending this meeting,” FitzGerald said. “Workplace foremen, community leaders, folks that work with the homeless or mentally ill. By learning about Narcan and how to use it, you could save the life of a family member, friend, co-worker or a complete stranger.”

WEDNESDAY NIGHT
BREAKFAST CLUB

FitzGerald started the Wednesday Night Breakfast Club at UFCW Local 655 last summer when he was organizing his campaign for state representative in the 89^th District, which includes the cities of Chesterfield, Des Peres, Kirkwood, Frontenac, Ladue, Huntleigh and Town and Country.

Each Wednesday, he would invite friends, family and constituents to the hall to write postcards for the campaign and would secure a guest speaker for the evening to speak about Democratic and Labor-friendly causes. 

FitzGerald lost his bid for the seat last fall, but wanted to continue the comradery and educational aspect of the gathering. He continues to host events, which include a variety of speakers on causes near and dear to Democratic and Labor-friendly causes.

Follow FitzGerald on Facebook at facebook.com/ElectKevinFitzGerald for event updates and information, questions or comments.