CHAMPAIGN - Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will distribute free NARCAN® kits at a drive-thru event on August 30, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. as part of their recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. The campaign's goal is to honor the many lives lost to drug overdose by raising awareness about the opioid crisis. CUPHD hopes that by distributing NARCAN® (naloxone) to community members, it will empower and help residents mitigate the impacts of this crisis.
NARCAN®, also known as naloxone, is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by binding to the opiate receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of opioids, allowing the individual to restore normal breathing and potentially save their life. NARCAN® is safe to use on someone who is unconscious, making it a crucial tool in overdose response. If a person is administered NARCAN® and is not overdosing on opioids, they will not be harmed.
Last year, CUPHD distributed 440 kits.
Kits can be obtained by driving to the south side of the CUPHD building located at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign. Look for the small shed where staff will be on hand to provide kits and answer questions.
The CUPHD states that opioid overdoses are a serious public health concern. "It is vital to take every opportunity to raise awareness, provide resources, and support those affected by this crisis," the health district said in announcing the upcoming drive. "Participating in initiatives like the NARCAN® distribution drive on International Overdose Awareness Day can save lives and foster a safer and healthier community."
CDC data shows that overdose deaths involving opioids decreased from an estimated 84,181 in 2022 to 81,083 in 2023. Scientists agree that the opioid epidemic started in the late 1990s when opioids were prescribed freely by doctors without concern for their addictive nature. The crisis skyrocketed due to the proliferation of illegal opioids like heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl alongside the already overprescribed volume available in communities nationwide.
By distributing NARCAN® kits for free, CUPHD equips the community with the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively to opioid overdoses, ensuring that individuals are well-informed, capable advocates who can raise awareness about opioid overdose prevention.
Health District to provide free NARCAN® kits during drive-thru event
CHAMPAIGN - Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will distribute free NARCAN® kits at a drive-thru event on August 30, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. as part of their recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. The campaign's goal is to honor the many lives lost to drug overdose by raising awareness about the opioid crisis. CUPHD hopes that by distributing NARCAN® (naloxone) to community members, it will empower and help residents mitigate the impacts of this crisis.
NARCAN®, also known as naloxone, is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by binding to the opiate receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of opioids, allowing the individual to restore normal breathing and potentially save their life. NARCAN® is safe to use on someone who is unconscious, making it a crucial tool in overdose response. If a person is administered NARCAN® and is not overdosing on opioids, they will not be harmed.
Last year, CUPHD distributed 440 kits.
Kits can be obtained by driving to the south side of the CUPHD building located at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign. Look for the small shed where staff will be on hand to provide kits and answer questions.
The CUPHD states that opioid overdoses are a serious public health concern. "It is vital to take every opportunity to raise awareness, provide resources, and support those affected by this crisis," the health district said in announcing the upcoming drive. "Participating in initiatives like the NARCAN® distribution drive on International Overdose Awareness Day can save lives and foster a safer and healthier community."
CDC data shows that overdose deaths involving opioids decreased from an estimated 84,181 in 2022 to 81,083 in 2023. Scientists agree that the opioid epidemic started in the late 1990s when opioids were prescribed freely by doctors without concern for their addictive nature. The crisis skyrocketed due to the proliferation of illegal opioids like heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl alongside the already overprescribed volume available in communities nationwide.
By distributing NARCAN® kits for free, CUPHD equips the community with the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively to opioid overdoses, ensuring that individuals are well-informed, capable advocates who can raise awareness about opioid overdose prevention.
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