Program to train Suwanee police on how to interact with heroin addicts

The Suwanee City Council voted Tuesday to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Gwinnett to develop a protocol for police when interacting with heroin addicts or anyone experiencing an opioid overdose. The initiative, developed by the Gwinnett County Fire Department, will allow Suwanee police to purchase and use Narcan, a medication used to counter the effects of opioids, especially in an overdose.

As part of the program, the Gwinnett Fire Department will provide free training on the administration of Narcan to Suwanee Police. The drug usually reverses depression of the central nervous system, respiratory system, and low blood pressure associated with a heroin overdose. In addition to heroin, opioids include methadone, morphine and oxycodone.