August 31, 2024
In honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, Jackson County Public Health (JCPH) is partnering with local Hy-Vee stores to offer free opioid overdose prevention resources in Raytown and Lee’s Summit.
This week, JCPH will host a pop-up resource table from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following Hy-Vee locations:
• Thursday (8/29) — 9400 E Highway 350, Raytown
• Friday (8/30) — 301 NE Rice Rd, Lee’s Summit
• Saturday (8/31) — 9400 E Highway 350, Raytown
Visitors can pick up free Narcan along with other resources, like CPR face shields, fentanyl test strips, and overdose prevention wallet cards. No store purchase is required – anyone can stop by the table. JCPH staff will be available on-site to teach visitors how to identify an opioid overdose and correctly administer Narcan.
Observed on August 31 every year, International Overdose Awareness Day seeks to raise public understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use. One key tool in combating opioid overdose deaths is Narcan (naloxone), a safe and easy-to-use nasal spray medication.
“Narcan is extremely effective at reversing an opioid overdose in an emergency,” said Reagan Williams, Program and Policy Specialist at Jackson County Public Health. “Our goal is to increase awareness about this life-saving resource and provide accurate information about Narcan’s importance.”
In Eastern Jackson County, 179 residents died as a result of opioid overdoses from 2017 to 2022, and the rate of fatal opioid overdose nearly doubled in that time span.
“We all have a role to play in ending the opioid crisis,” said Seth Middleton, Program Coordinator at JCPH. “By learning how and when to use Narcan, everyone can be prepared to save a life and contribute to reducing the impact of this devastating issue.”
Free Narcan is available year-round at Jackson County Public Health’s office, located at 3651 NE Ralph Powell Road in Lee’s Summit. Additionally, JCPH staff can provide training and education to community groups free of charge.
To learn more about Narcan and opioid overdose prevention in Eastern Jackson County, visit jcph.org/opioids.
