Westchester County is taking a proactive approach to reduce the amount of heroin overdoses in the region.

Police and medical officials are conducting seminars to help teach everyday citizens how to use the antidote Narcan, which can buy overdose victims precious time. The drug helps to reverse the effects of certain types of opiates such as heroin.

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino spearheaded the training initiatives in hope that lives can be saved. Astorino says the Narcan seminars teach those first on the scene how to revive a victim before first responders arrive.

People who pass the course test will be certified for two years.