Derbyshire County Council has worked with local Pharmacies and partners across Nottinghamshire International Overdose Awareness Day August 31st: Understanding the Risks, Reducing Harm and Take-Home Naloxone in Derbyshire
Observed annually on 31 August, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world’s largest campaign dedicated to ending overdose, remembering those who have sadly died and acknowledging the grief experienced by families and communities. It is also an opportunity to reflect on what can be done to prevent future deaths and reduce harm associated with overdose.
Taking place on the eve of Substance Use Recovery Month, it provides an additional opportunity to raise awareness of drug related harm and highlight the wide range of support available across Derbyshire.
While drug related deaths continue to affect individuals, families and communities across the UK, including Derbyshire, there are practical steps that can help save lives. This includes ensuring that more people have access to, carry and feel confident using Naloxone, one of the most effective tools available to help prevent opioid overdose deaths.
Naloxone and Take-Home Naloxone (THN)
Naloxone is a lifesaving medication used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose while emergency medical help is on its way. Opioids include some medicines such as codeine, morphine, and methadone, but also include illegal drugs such as heroin.
Opioids (and other sedatives) can slow breathing to dangerously low levels, which is the main cause of death associated with opioid overdose. Naloxone works by temporarily reversing the effects of opioids, buying valuable time until emergency services arrive.
Anyone can carry naloxone, and anyone can use naloxone in an emergency to reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available through Derbyshire Recovery Partnership (DRP) and Derbyshire County Council has worked with local pharmacies to make Take Home Naloxone more widely available, helping more people access this lifesaving intervention!
Adults aged 18 and over can request a Take-Home Naloxone kit from participating pharmacies or from DRP. Advice and training on the safe and effective use of naloxone is provided before a kit is issued.
You can access Naloxone at any of the four Derbyshire Recovery Partnership bases in Derbyshire: https://www.derbyshirerecoverypartnership.co.uk/, DRP also offer specialist substance use treatment and support. You can also get THN from any of the pharmacies listed here: Take-Home Naloxone (THN) Available in Community Pharmacies in Derbyshire! Every drug related death is a tragedy. Behind every statistic is a person, and every loss has a lasting impact on family members, friends, colleagues and communities. Carrying Take-Home Naloxone and knowing how to use it could help save a life.