How some communities are tackling opioid abuse on Oregon’s fishing boats

Think Out Loud

A recent New York Times article shed light on how some fishing communities are grappling with opioid abuse and overdoses in fishing communities. Overdoses at sea are much more difficult to stop than on land. A program founded by Oregon State University in partnership with Oregon Sea Grant called “Fishermen First Aid and Safety Training” (FFAST) trains communities in general first aid including instructions on how to use Narcan, a drug used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Upon completion of the training, boats are then supplied with a full first aid kit which includes Narcan. Angee Doerr, who works with fishing boats to implement these trainings, joins us to share more.