City of Independence marks International Overdose Awareness Day with community outreach, free Narcan

Do you know 1 in 5 drug overdose deaths in Jackson County are children under the age of 15? The City of Independence is marking International Overdose Awareness Day by providing free Narcan and overdose awareness information at various locations on Aug. 30 and 31.

“Every day, families across the country are facing the very real situation of addiction and drug abuse with a loved one,” Mayor Rory Rowland said. “We are marking International Overdose Awareness Day with resources, education, and a tool families can use to save a family member’s life, Narcan. We are hopeful the conversations this will start with our ARCH Program members will also help get the word out about this valuable resource.”

Members of the Independence Health and Animal Services Department and the ARCH Program will be at the following locations:

• Aug. 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Mid-Continent Public Library Farview Branch 18109 E 12th N. Independence, MO 64056
• Aug. 31:
  • o 9:30-11:30 a.m. – Walmart 4000 S. Bolger Rd< Independence MO, 64055
  • o 1-2:30 p.m. – Mid-Continent Public Library North Branch, 317 W. 24 Hwy., Independence, MO, 64050
  • o 3-4:30 p.m. – Wal-Mart 3411 S. Noland Rd., Independence, MO, 64055

Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic disease of the brain that can happen to anyone. The rate of opioid overdose deaths in Independence more than tripled in 2017-2021. There is currently a nationwide fentanyl crisis. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Because fentanyl can be made cheaply, it is often added to other illicit drugs to increase their potency. Even a speck of fentanyl may be lethal.

Warning signs of SUD include sudden changes in personality, withdrawal from family and friends, requests for money, and drug paraphernalia in the house. Narcan saves lives by reversing opioid overdoses. Narcan is available for free to Independence residents. Call 816-325-7186 for more information.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. This service is available 24/7. Dial 911 in case of an emergency. Find treatment near you at findtreatment.gov