Overdose Awareness
Have you experienced a non-fatal overdose?
Signs and Symptoms of an Opioid Overdose:
Opioid overdose is a life-threatening emergency that demands immediate attention. When a person overdoses on opioids, their central nervous system and respiratory system are suppressed, causing their breathing to slow or even stop. After five minutes without oxygen, brain cells begin to die. Every second matters. Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose is crucial to saving lives.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone (NARCAN) is an opioid antagonist that reverses opioid overdoses, acting as a vital bridge between a 911 call and the time help arrives.
Naloxone is endorsed by the CDC and other health organizations, as a key tool in addressing the opioid crisis.
IMPORTANT: Naloxone only lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Overdose symptoms can return depending on the opioid’s strength and duration, so it is crucial to call 911 right away…
The Good Samaritan Law in Colorado: Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law protects individuals who assist during an overdose or medical emergency from
legal liability. It covers:
Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law protects individuals who assist during an overdose or medical emergency from legal liability. It covers:
- Protection from Prosecution: No charges for possessing illegal drugs or paraphernalia if calling for help or
assistingassistance. - Good Faith Action: Legal protection for those acting in good faith to help, not for personal gain.
- Protection for Medical Providers: Safeguards for medical professionals and first responders administering aid, like naloxone (Narcan).
The law encourages seeking help in emergencies, especially overdoses, by reducing fear of legal consequences, ultimately saving lives.
SRC Provided Resources
NARCAN Distribution Box at SRC:
Our no-contact NARCAN distribution box at SRC offers discreet, easy access to naloxone, allowing individuals to obtain it quickly without stigma or legal concerns. This system improves overdose prevention efforts by removing barriers to timely intervention.
Overdose Prevention Training:
As part of our Overdose Prevention Program, we offer free NARCAN training from Overdose Lifeline Inc. and distribute essential harm reduction tools, like Fentanyl test strips, to help save lives and support those struggling with substance misuse.
This free training can make a life-saving difference and provide individuals facing substance use challenges with a critical opportunity to begin their recovery journey. Whether you are a community organization, housing agency, healthcare provider, or local business, this training can empower your team to respond effectively in an emergency and impact your community.
Fentanyl Test Strips:
Fentanyl is 80-100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin, drastically increasing overdose risks. Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are low-cost ($1 per strip), easy to use, and can detect traces of fentanyl in various substances. FTS are associated with safer drug use behaviors, such as reducing consumption or carrying naloxone. However, despite their proven effectiveness, FTS remains underutilized and difficult to access.
To request Fentanyl Test Strips, please contact Saskia Beljaars, Overdose Prevention, and Outreach Event Coordinator, at 719-644-6810 or sbeljaars@srchope.org
*This program has been brought to you through CDPHE grant funding*
References:
Garnett MF, Miniño AM. Drug overdose deaths in the United States, 2003–2023. NCHS Data Brief, no 522. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2024. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc/170565
Guy GP Jr., Zhang K, Bohm MK, et al. Vital Signs: Changes in Opioid Prescribing in the United States, 2006–2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6626a4.