SOUTH BEND — Narcan is a drug that’s used by first responders to reverse opioid overdose and a single shot can bring someone who is not breathing back to consciousness.

A Michiana mom who witnessed the destruction of drug abuse is trying to educate others on ways they can help addicts in their own lives by putting Narcan in the hands of the public.

Brandy Baker never expected the face of an addict to be the face of her 25-year-old son, just like she never thought it could be the face of her best friends since third grade.

“I know everybody has in their mind what they think an addict looks like, but you know what, an addict looks like you and me,” says Baker.

Baker and her best friend Amy Miller, who is now 2 1/2 years drug free, are hosting a free Narcan training event.

The training will be from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, at Portage Township Fire Department in South Bend.

Miller says she was prescribed some painkillers for a tooth ache. One thing led to another and she started abusing her medication and then using heroin; the same drug Baker’s son fell victim to.

“I’ve seen many people overdose and I feel like if there was a NARCAN kit handy, I feel like many would have been saved. They didn’t have to die,” says Miller

Narcan is not available to the public in Michiana, but Baker hopes to become a Narcan trainer within the next month. Once that happens, she’ll be able to distribute the kits to people who need them.

If you have any questions about the event, you can contact Brandy Baker at [email protected] or (574) 401-2583.

Source: WNDU