A new report from the CDC shows that the number of overdose deaths in Missouri is expected to decrease by 15 percent this year. Heather Harlan, a Community Health Educator in Columbia, attributes this decrease to the availability of naloxone and training sessions on how to use it. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is an opioid antagonist that can quickly reverse the effects of an overdose and save lives. The Missouri State Department of Mental Health’s “No Mo Deaths” program, along with various health departments and community organizations, distribute naloxone throughout the state and provide access through vending machines. The Columbia/Boone County Health Department distributed over 6,400 doses of naloxone last year. Harlan acknowledges that naloxone alone is not enough to combat the overdose epidemic and stresses the importance of access to treatment and recovery services. She encourages the community to continue making strides in the right direction and emphasizes the importance of awareness and education. Harlan is also involved in the Boone County Overdose Response Coalition, which hosts monthly events to educate the public on preventing opioid overdoses. Residents are encouraged to visit “Get Missouri Naloxone” for free naloxone or fentanyl test strips for themselves, loved ones, or businesses. Despite progress, Harlan reminds the community that there is still work to be done to address the overdose crisis effectively.
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