The risk of overdose due to misuse of prescription medication and illegal drugs is a concern among public health leaders on the Monterey Peninsula. More broadly, it is a concern for public health leaders worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On Thursday, August 31, we are sharing information with our community to mark the importance of talking openly about the risk of overdose on International Overdose Awareness Day. The hashtag #IOAD is being used on social media to bring awareness to the issue of overdoses, those who are at risk and to support those who are affected by overdose.
According to the CDC, the overall purpose of International Overdose Awareness Day includes these goals:
- To provide an opportunity for people to publicly mourn loved ones.
- To send a strong message to people who use drugs and people in recovery that they are valued.
- To inform people around the world about the risk of drug overdose.
- To provide basic information on the range of support services that are available.
- To prevent and reduce drug-related harms by supporting evidence-based practice.
During the 2022-2023 school year, we provided students and families access to helpful information about substance use and life-saving steps that can be taken during an emergency in partnership with Montage Health.
How to Reverse an Opioid Overdose: How to Use Narcan (naloxone)
Como Revertir Una Sobredosis De Opiodes: Cómo utilizar Narcan (naloxone)
There are many more resources available online and in-person locally. For more information, please visit MPUSD's Substance Use Prevention and MPUSD's Mental Health Resources web pages.