August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. Spokane Regional Health District has resources and programs to help those who are struggling or know someone who is struggling with addiction. You can visit our website to learn more about our Opioid Treatment Program for those needing outpatient treatment, counseling, and referral services for opioid dependence or our Syringe Services Program for those in need of risk reduction supplies or naloxone. You can also read our previous blog post about our work with naloxone overdose reversal kits and how you can access them if needed.

Here are more websites with valuable information:

Stopoverdose.org – Tools for individuals and communities in Washington State

Tribal Opioid Solutions website – Resources for Tribes and Tribal Organizations

It Starts with One website – Opioid prevention resources for young adults, parents, and older adults

CDC's International Overdose Awareness Day website

It is also important to prevent misuse of drugs you may have been prescribed. One unfortunate trend in drug use, particularly opioids, is a person’s introduction through medications prescribed directly to them or to a family member or friend. This is why it is so important to follow your medical provider’s and pharmacist’s directions carefully, keep medications in a safe place, and dispose of them responsibly. Here is some information about how to safely (and easily!) dispose of unused medications.

How to safely dispose of medications:

• Drop off unused or unneeded medications at a safe medication return kiosk.
  
• Use the free mail-back option. Request a pre-paid, pre-addressed mail-back package.
• Washington State Department of Health Safe Medication Return website

Take the next step to learn more and help fight the overdose crisis. Challenge others to learn more too. As we learn more and support services that help prevent overdose, we’re helping to save the life of somebody’s brother, daughter, or maybe even someone we love.