Tuesday is International Overdose Awareness Day

CANTON - International Overdose Awareness Day on Tuesday is the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind, according to Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery.

StarkMHAR says the number of deaths due to unintentional overdose has been rising throughout 2021 - largely due to the presence of fentanyl, which can be lethal in very small doses and is undetectable to users. Justina Gorman, Coalition and Community Development coordinator at Stark County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR), said fentanyl is showing up in all types of drugs in Stark County.

Gorman urges those who use substances, or knows someone who does, to get an overdose-reversal kit. The kits can be given by anyone to reverse an overdose caused by an opioid (fentanyl is an opioid). County locations where anyone can pick up a free kit can be found under "Prevention & Resources" at StarkMHAR.org. Mail-order information can also be found here. (Clickable link to locations: Get A Kit.)

Numbers of note would include:

StarkMHAR advises that if an overdose is suspected, dial 911 immediately. Good Samaritan laws in Ohio protect anyone who is calling on behalf of someone who is experiencing an overdose.

Those interested in the response to all types of substance use and addiction in Stark County, including living a life free from substance use, can attend a meeting of the Opiate & Addiction Task Force. Contact Gorman at 330-455-6644 for information on upcoming meetings, which are being held virtually at this time.

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