Missouri saw a significant drop in overdose deaths last year, attributed to increased access to naloxone, also known as the Lazarus drug for its ability to revive overdose victims. Opioid-related deaths in the state decreased by 30%, from over 700 to just over 500 according to a 2024 report from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. DawnElyn Schneider from Central Ozarks Medical Center highlighted the importance of carrying naloxone for overdose emergencies and credited the decline in deaths to increased community education on substance use.
Since 2017, Missouri has allowed anyone to obtain naloxone from pharmacies without a prescription, leading to increased access and more lives being saved in emergencies. Schneider emphasized harm reduction strategies for drug users, including carrying naloxone, avoiding using alone, and using clean needles to prevent overdoses and infections. She also stressed the importance of getting individuals struggling with substance use to a point of safer use before aiming for complete abstinence.
While opioid deaths nationwide saw a slight decrease, deaths related to cocaine and methamphetamine increased slightly. Despite this, the overall decrease in opioid deaths in Missouri reflects progress in addressing the overdose crisis.
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