Free Naloxone Distribution Events Scheduled For Columbia County.
Local United Way to distribute naloxone and resources for community residents experiencing substance use disorder.
Opioid overdose is reversible. Save a life. Carry naloxone. Now through December 22nd, you will be able to find the help you need. United in Recovery (unitedinrecovery.org), a substance use disorder prevention, education, and recovery support organization under United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties, is organizing free community naloxone giveaways within the region of Columbia County for the upcoming holiday season.
Through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), United in Recovery can access naloxone in bulk as a community-based organization through the Naloxone for First Responders Program. Launched in November 2017, the goal of PCCD’s Naloxone for First Responders Program (NFRP) is to increase the availability of life-saving medication for individuals at greatest risk of opioid overdose as well as the systems most likely to interact with these individuals. United in Recovery will distribute naloxone, commonly known by its brand name “Narcan,” to members of the public. Naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal medication that only has one job: to reverse an opioid overdose and save a life.
As our country faces an unprecedented drug overdose epidemic coupled with the pandemic of COVID-19, carrying naloxone is one simple step everyone can take toward saving lives in our communities. According to new data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdoses across the state of Pennsylvania are on the rise. On average, we lose 15 Pennsylvanians per day to accidental overdose. These are deaths that could be prevented. These are lives that could be saved.
Community members can pick up naloxone kits along with information on substance use disorder treatment, counseling services, peer support, and basic needs assistance. To ensure the safety of the public and our staff, curbside pick-up and COVID mitigation efforts will be followed during these distribution events. Please wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols.
The Free Community Naloxone Distribution Events are taking place in the public parking lot behind 36 East Main Street, Bloomsburg (on East Pine Avenue between Iron Street and Miller Avenue). Distribution days are on Wednesdays during the following dates and times: December 8th, 4:30 – 5:30 PM; and December 22nd, 8:30 – 9:30 AM. These events are free and open to the public. For more information, email: uir@svuw.org or call (570) 380-0043.
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About United in Recovery:
United in Recovery is a program of United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties and works to reduce drug overdoses and increase the number of community residents in recovery by improving access to education and treatment. We do this through supporting prevention, intervention, and community building in the fight against substance use disorder. To learn more visit, unitedinrecovery.org.
Media Contact:
Olivia Oden, Stigma Reduction & Education Coordinator
United in Recovery
c: (570) 594-0624, e: coordinator@unitedinrecovery.org