

Be the Bridge: Free Community Narcan Training
Opioid overdoses can happen to anyone, anywhere—at home, at work, or in a public park. When every second counts, you can be the difference between a tragedy and a second chance.
Nova Labs is partnering with The Chris Atwood Foundation to provide a free, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to identify the signs of an overdose and safely administer Narcan (Naloxone), the life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes.
Why Should You Get Trained?
It’s easy to think "it won't happen near me," but the reality is that the opioid crisis affects every corner of our community. Here is why this training is essential:
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Seconds Save Lives: During an overdose, breathing slows or stops. Brain damage can occur within minutes. Having Narcan on hand allows for immediate intervention before paramedics arrive.
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It is Completely Safe: Narcan only works if opioids are in the system. If you administer it to someone having a different medical emergency (like a heart attack), it will not harm them.
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Anyone Can Do It: You don’t need a medical degree. The nasal spray is as simple to use as a common allergy medication.
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Empowerment Over Fear: Many people feel helpless when witnessing a medical emergency. Training replaces panic with a clear, actionable plan.
What You Will Learn
In this 90-minute session, our certified instructors will cover:
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Risk Factors: Understanding what leads to an overdose.
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The Signs: How to distinguish between being "high" and a life-threatening overdose.
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The Rescue: Step-by-step instructions on administering Naloxone and performing rescue breathing.
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Aftercare: How to support the individual until professional medical help arrives.
Note: All participants will receive a free Narcan kit to take home upon completion of the training (while supplies last).
Don’t wait until you need it. Space is limited, so please register today to help make our community a safer place for everyone.
PLEASE REGISTER: So that the hosts can properly anticipate the group.
Although the public is also welcome, our goal is to train as many Nova Labs members as possible, so someone trained is always on-site in an emergency.
Instructor: Chris Atwood Foundation
The Chris Atwood Foundation is a peer-driven nonprofit organization in Northern Virginia dedicated to saving lives and supporting recovery from substance use disorder. It provides free harm reduction services, including naloxone overdose reversal kits, peer support, recovery housing grants, and family recovery resources.