GDC Offers Narcan Training Program to Officers

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Working Together to Help Communities

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has taken a proactive approach and identified the need for training Correctional Officers and the Office of Professional Standards Criminal Investigation Division in the administration of emergency Narcan resuscitation.  Reports have indicated a nationwide rise in unintentional opioid related deaths, which prompted GDC officials to take proactive steps in supplying law enforcement personnel with Narcan to protect themselves, and any community members that may need our assistance. 

“The GDC is committed to supporting efforts to reduce opioid related overdoses in the communities in which we serve,” said Interim Commissioner, Timothy C. Ward.  “Our law enforcement personnel are eager to be trained and to assist in this vital role of first responder.” 

These law enforcement personnel have been trained by the Department of Public Health to administer Narcan to a person suspected of experiencing an opiate related overdose.  Additionally, as required by HB96 and an amended OCGA 31-11-55.1, GDC has notified Emergency Medical Services throughout Georgia that GDC Officers are now equipped with the opioid antagonist-Narcan and may act as “first responders.”   Approximately 375 law enforcement personnel have completed the mandatory training and will be supplied with a multidose Narcan emergency kit. 

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.