Logan County District Board of Health members were provided with an informative naloxone training and potentially life-saving practical tips at their Wednesday afternoon meeting, April 8, by Director of Community Outreach Megan Bailey.  

Naloxone is a non-addictive medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose by restoring normal breathing within minutes. Known commonly by the brand name Narcan, it works as an opioid antagonist, meaning it attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking and reversing the effects of opioids like heroin, fentanyl and prescription painkillers.  

Fortunately, naloxone also is harmless if it’s given to someone who actually is not experiencing an opioid overdose; it’s like administering saline to them, Bailey noted.  

The health district began offering free Narcan trainings in the community years ago, and since then, many individuals in a variety of sectors of Logan County have been trained in how to help save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose. Narcan kits are handed out to community members during these trainings as well.  

The LCHD also has been tracking the number of overdose deaths in Logan County since the height of the opioid epidemic in 2017. That year, 16 overdose deaths were reported. Overdose deaths have been on a general decline since then, but 2022 saw a spike in fatal overdoses, with 13 reported deaths.

In 2025, a total of four overdose deaths were reported.  

Bailey noted that individuals at risk for an accidental overdose include not only those who use illegal drugs, but also those who use someone else’s prescribed opiates, along with children of a drug user or senior citizens who might mix up their correct prescription dosage.  

Some of the signs to look for in an opioid overdose include unresponsiveness or limpness; breathing that is slow, shallow, or stopped; "pinpoint" pupils; choking or gurgling sounds; and pale, blue, or grey skin, lips or fingernails.  

In this situation, the most important thing an individual can do is to immediately call 911 and then begin administering Narcan, Bailey said. This will help to speed up the process for paramedics to arrive on the scene.  

“We’re finding that with the strong opioids that are present in our community, the two doses that come in a Narcan kit are often not strong enough on their own to reverse the effects of the opioids,” Bailey said.  

“It usually takes between six to seven doses of Narcan to completely reverse the overdose. The paramedics can take over with administration when they get on scene.” 

After administering the initial dose, give the individual rescue breaths, if you have a field shield available, or put them in the recovery position laying on their side 

Wait two to three minutes after the first dose of naloxone. If they haven't woken up, give them a second dose. 

If the person is dependent on opioids, naloxone may cause immediate and uncomfortable, but not fatal, withdrawal symptoms, such as headache, nausea, vomiting and rapid heart rate, Bailey noted. This is one of the reasons why paramedic response is so crucial to the person’s survival.  

The meeting and this short training session also happened to take place during National Public Health Month, which was recognized earlier this week with a proclamation issued by Logan County Commissioners Joe Antram, Mike Yoder and Greg Fitzpatrick. 

Health Commissioner Travis Irvan said he and several fellow staff members visited the Commissioners’ Office for the proclamation and recognition.

In other LCHD matters, Irvan announced that Dr. Steve Toney has been hired as the health district’s new medical director, replacing Dr. Nicholas Morton in this role.  

Dr. Toney also serves as the chief medical officer at Community Health and Wellness Partners. 

Members also congratulated Chris Watkins for her re-appointment to the board, as approved in March by the Logan County Health District Advisory Council.

Irvan noted that the health district will be closed to the public on Wednesday, April 22, for the staff to complete Earth Day activities, both in office and outside of the agency.  

In other matters, Bailey noted that she needs more respondents for the 2026 community health survey that will aid in the development of the Community Health Improvement Plan, which addresses public health needs. She urged Logan County residents to take the survey at https://compyle.clearimpact.com/#/public/survey/3E08A645-F556-4246-A271-A948A4A1C417 

During the environmental health matters, members approved a well variance request for Galen Miller for his property at 6263 N. U.S. Route 68, Bellefontaine.  

The next meeting is 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the health district.