Recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day & National Recovery Month

Research by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration reportedly shows that about 46,000 people die from drug abuse annually in the U.S., and blames the alarming increase in deaths on heroin, which often is a cheaper alternative to the brand-name prescription drugs with which many people begin their addiction.

According to the Wicomico County Health Department, drug abuse and overdose now impact many people on the Lower Shore, and they will be participating in two observances to help fight this epidemic:  

• International Overdose Awareness Day, held annually on August 31 to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma associated with drug-related death
• National Recovery Month, held every September to educate the community that people with these issues can live healthy, rewarding lives with substance use treatment and mental health services  

 
Wicomico Health says they are partnering with PAC 14 to air “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict,” a video developed by the FBI and the DEA to educate about the dangers of opioid addiction. The film apparently features stories from overdose survivors who hope to save others from following their destructive path, and “Chasing the dragon” refers to the continuing pursuit of addicts for the feeling of the original or ultimate high.
 
A public service announcement about how heroin addiction can happen to anyone will be shown at Regal Salisbury Stadium 16 theaters beginning at the end of August and run through September.   

Purple and Blue Recovery Month ribbons will be available free to community members who want to show their support of people affected by their own or family members and friends’ addiction and recovery.  

As of July 1, 2016, the Health Department reportedly added three prescription medication disposal sites, bringing the total number of prescription receptacles to nine, for the community to safely and anonymously dispose of expired and unused prescription medications.
 
Wicomico Health offers free Naloxone trainings the second Tuesday of each month from 6 – 7:30 PM at the Wicomico Public Library.  Naloxone is apparently used to reverse an opioid overdose and can be administered by anyone over the age of 18. Health officials say that all participants will receive a certificate for Naloxone and the Naloxone kit, and will learn how to give the medication, which can save the life of someone who is overdosing on an opioid such prescription pain medications, Fentanyl, and heroin.

The Health Department says it is also working with local healthcare providers to ensure that they are in compliance with the new law requiring them to register with and use the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The PDMP is part of Maryland’s response to the epidemic of opioid addiction and overdose deaths. It works to decrease the availability and abuse of addictive pain medications by monitoring opioid prescriptions.

For more information about air dates for “Chasing the Dragon,” the movie theater PSA, the Naloxone trainings, the PDMP, or to request flyers on the prescription drug drop off sites locations or awareness ribbons, please call the Wicomico County Health Department at 410-334-4380.