Pioneering Preparedness: The REVIVE! Naloxone Training

Long before Naloxone (Narcan) was available over-the-counter, I had the opportunity to join the REVIVE! Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (OONE) program on October 4, 2022.

I first learned about this initiative through the Warren Coalition during our weekly Chamber of Commerce “coffee break” Zoom calls. The program was provided by the Northwestern Prevention Collaborative and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition, with funding from grants to put life-saving tools in the hands of community members.

Interestingly, when I logged onto the Zoom session, I found I was the only student in the class—giving me a unique, one-on-one deep dive into the realities of the opioid crisis in Virginia.

The REVIVE! Kit: A Life-Saving Toolkit

Because this was part of a specialized grant program, I received two complete rescue kits. Each came in a distinct blue zipper pouch labeled “REVIVE! Opioid Overdose Reversal for Virginia.”

Inside each kit was:

• Narcan (naloxone HCI) Nasal Spray: A twin-pack of 4mg applicators.
• Personal Protective Equipment: Two pairs of gloves and two one-way airway guards to ensure safety during rescue breathing.
• Instructional Postcard: Clear steps on how to recognize an overdose, position the patient (the recovery position), and administer the spray.
• Reporting QR Codes: Specialized codes to scan after an incident so the state can track the effectiveness of the training.

I also received a completion card to carry in my wallet, identifying me as someone trained in the administration of Naloxone.

Why It Mattered Then (and Now)

In 2022, you couldn’t just walk into a pharmacy and buy Narcan off the shelf. These kits were precious resources. Learning how to recognize the signs of an overdose—and understanding that Naloxone only works on opioids and won’t harm someone if the emergency is caused by something else—gave me the confidence to step in if a situation ever turned dire.

This training was the first step in a larger commitment I’ve made to being a prepared and helpful neighbor in Front Royal.

Program Details

• Program: REVIVE! Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education
• Provider: Northwestern Prevention Collaborative
• Date: October 4, 2022
• Supplies: 4mg Naloxone Nasal Spray, Airway Guards, PPE