WASHINGTON, D.C. — The District has distributed 510,000 free naloxone kits as fatal and nonfatal overdoses have fallen by about 30% compared with this time last year, city officials said.
The D.C. Department of Behavioral Health announced the figures while recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day, according to an official Mayor/DC release.
Naloxone can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose while emergency services are called. The department and its community and government partners have reported 21,000 suspected overdose reversals involving the medication.
More than 100 community-based and faith organizations distribute naloxone in the District. It is also available at 30 pharmacies and 140 community sites across all eight wards, officials said. Anyone can text “LiveLongDC” to 888-811 to request naloxone at no charge.
The city attributed the decline in overdoses partly to prevention, treatment and recovery services. Available services include the 24-hour D.C. Stabilization Center, medication through emergency departments and certified providers, recovery housing, counseling, peer support and integrated addiction and mental health treatment.
Residents seeking treatment can text “Ready” to 888-811 or visit a participating treatment location. Anyone facing addiction or concerned about someone else can call or text 988 at any time to speak with a trained counselor.
Featured image: Naloxone rescue supplies in a representative file photo. Photo by the Government of New Brunswick via Wikimedia Commons, released under CC0.
The Washington Herald
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Washington, D.C.
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