Hope in Every Dose: The Life-Saving Mission of Narcan Training at St. Christopher’s Inn
At St. Christopher’s Inn, healing is not only a personal journey—it’s a shared responsibility. In the spirit of St. Francis and guided by our mission to bring hope and wholeness to men in crisis, we are committed to equipping our community with tools that can save lives. One of the most essential tools we offer is Narcan training.
Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. For years, we have ensured that everyone who comes through the doors of St. Christopher’s Inn—whether for treatment, to serve, or simply to learn—leaves with the knowledge and confidence to use Narcan in a time of need.
A Training Ground for Compassion
All staff at the Inn receive regular Narcan training. But this ministry of preparedness doesn’t stop with our team. As part of their recovery journey, the men in residence, our Brothers Christopher, also learn how to administer Narcan. Many of them have experienced the loss of friends and loved ones to overdose. By learning this vital skill, they not only protect themselves and others, but also become vessels of hope in the wider world once they complete their time at the Inn.
This training is more than technical; it is spiritual. It is an act of mercy. We train not from a place of fear, but from a place of love and responsibility. We know that every life is sacred and that sometimes, the chance to live another day comes in the form of a small nasal spray and someone willing to act.
A Community Mission
Our commitment doesn’t end at the gates of Graymoor. We extend our Narcan training to first responders and professionals throughout our community—EMS teams, firefighters, police officers, teachers, social workers, and others on the frontlines of the opioid crisis. These individuals carry a great burden, and we are honored to walk beside them with support and resources.
During the height of COVID in 2020, when our sense of connection and community was fractured and isolation weighed heavily on so many, we felt called to adapt. With in-person gatherings halted, we pivoted our training to a virtual format. Through Zoom, we were able to reach individuals and organizations far beyond our immediate area, creating space for education, support, and fellowship.
Now, nearly five years later, our virtual Narcan trainings continue to thrive, making life-saving knowledge accessible to anyone who seeks it. We also remain committed to in-person instruction, offering Narcan training in local schools, universities, and after-school programs across the region.
A Humble Offering
This work is not ours alone; it is God’s work. We are simply stewards of a mission that honors the dignity of every person, especially those caught in the pain of addiction. We offer this training not for praise, but in service to the greater good.
At St. Christopher’s Inn, we know that recovery is sacred ground. Through our Narcan training ministry, we hope to offer not only a chance for survival but also a testament to the power of community, compassion, and God’s unending mercy.
