Hawaii Island’s Fentanyl Task Force distributed 689 boxes of Narcan to the East Hawaii community during an event Saturday at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
Narcan, known medically as naloxone, is a nasal spray used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. It is normally prescribed and costs upwards of $100, but the event provided boxes for free, with two nasal sprays per box.
The event organizers called the turnout “remarkable,” saying it showcased the need for support when it comes to overdoses occurring on the Big Island.
“We didn’t know how serious the public was taking this until we did an outreach like this,” said Fentanyl Task Force leader Kimo Alameda, who added one Big Island resident dies every 11 days of an overdose. “There is a big concern on our island regarding fentanyl overdoses.”
The group had planned to allot five minutes per car to demonstrate the use of Narcan, which is administered by inserting the tip of the nozzle into one nostril and pressing the plunger. It can be given every two to three minutes until the person wakes up and breathes normally, with as many doses as necessary.
“The average car that came in was closer to eight to 10 minutes, and you could tell they all had something to share, whether it was a loss or a close call,” said Alameda. “We wanted to engage in active listening, so they could get it out and not try to rush them through the stations.”
Another distribution took place in Kona in November, where roughly 200 boxes of Narcan were distributed.
There are minimal risks associated with Narcan, because the nasal spray only reverses overdoses in people with opioids in their system, making it safe for children and adults regardless of their condition.
“Narcan is a wonderful drug and the only cure of a fentanyl or an opioid overdose,” said Gary Yabuta, director of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas for Hawaii. “In today’s world, I believe every household needs Narcan — clearly every classroom does.”
He said the HIDTA is keeping track of overdoses that result in death as well as those that result in a lifesaving event by virtue of medical treatment.
In 2016, statewide fentanyl overdoses averaged between 10 to 13 deaths per year. By 2020, that number jumped to 28 deaths statewide, and in 2021, 48 people died of a fentanyl overdose in Hawaii.
“We’re getting information that people are being saved with Narcan both in residences and in the homeless environment,” Yabuta said. “Fentanyl is on the rise and is a concern, because it can kill you with just one application.”
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration states a lethal overdose of fentanyl is just 2 milligrams, or the equivalent of a few grains of table salt.
“I believe the Big Island, proportionally, has the most fentanyl deaths,” Yabuta said, noting “one incident is too many.”
“Education is the most important thing and getting the message out to our youth,” he added. “They are vulnerable and most susceptible to fentanyl because of the fact the product comes in a pill form and a variety of colors.”
Addiction Medicine Specialist Kevin Kunz assisted with the distribution event and said the number of attendees was impressive.
“It was a little bit overwhelming at times,” he added. “There were many grandparents taking care of their grandkids, because their own children were getting hooked on opiates, and they were getting the Narcan to be safe when they are around their kids.”
Additional Narcan distribution events are planned for Waimea on Jan. 7 and in Ka‘u on Jan. 21. Locations are still being confirmed, but tentative times are set between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The task force also is looking for volunteers, and those interested can contact Alameda at (808) 965-3083.
“We’re finding we need about 15 total volunteers,” he said. “The more volunteers, the more stations we can have, and the quicker the cars can go through.”
The task force also offers presentations to schools and hosts sign-waving events, including one at the Kamehameha statue in Hilo on Nov. 10, where those impacted by overdoses gathered to support one another and express their concerns.
“We’re the only island that actually has a collaborative task force that is addressing the issue head on,” Alameda said. “Even the DEA in Los Angeles heard about our efforts, so we’re in collaboration with them as well. They’re thrilled with our task force and the things we’re doing collaboratively.”
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
