Linda Franiewski, executive director of the Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Addiction Center, says the center will distribute 200 Evzio naloxone auto injector kits, which are used to treat opioid overdoses.

Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Addiction Center is offering naloxone kits to people at-risk of a drug overdose.

The center received a grant for 200 Evzio naloxone auto injector kits, which are used to treat opioid overdoses.

The most common opioids abused are heroin and prescription painkillers.

Linda Franiewski, executive director, said the center is looking to get the kits to people who need them and is looking to offer weekly training classes.

“We're looking to distribute these into the community,” she said. “We want to train people how to recognize an overdose and how to keep (victims) alive.”

She said anyone interested in the kits should call the center at 724-256-8882, Ext. 209.

Franiewski said the center will train at-risk individuals and family members on how to use the kits.

She said people with insurance that covers the kit will receive a prescription from the center for one, while those without insurance can receive one of the kits available.

People going through the center for a prescription of the kit will have to take a short test following the training.

“We just can't give a prescription to someone who doesn't know how to use it,” Franiewski said.

But the kits, which cost several hundred of dollars without insurance, are simple to use and include voice commands.

“If you pull the cap off, it will speak directions to you,” Franiewski said. “It's very easy to use.”

The drug is administered through an injection in the thigh.

Franiewski added the voice prompts can help during an emergency.

“They help people not panic when confronted with that situation,” she said. “It's some insurance.”

Franiewski said there is a strong need for the so-called overdose antidote in the county.

There have been 41 overdose deaths in the county this year, according to the Butler County Coroner's office.

Of those deaths, 28 were attributed to heroin, seven were attributed to fentanyl — a synthetic opioid used as a painkiller — and six were listed as caused by multiple drugs.

“We're losing so many young people,” Franiewski said.

The center is looking to develop a weekly training class on Fridays. Franiewski said it is important for family members and people close to addicts to attend as well since a person cannot administer the drug to themselves during an overdose.