Bowser Administration Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day, Marks More Than 500,000 Free Naloxone Kits Distributed

(Washington, DC) - Today, the Bowser Administration, led by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), is recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day with events to remember lives lost and to raise awareness about prevention tools and treatment services for residents facing opioid addiction. DBH also marks the distribution of 510,000 free naloxone kits. Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose while emergency services are called.

"Overdose is preventable. Every single naloxone kit represents a life at risk as well as a second chance," said Barbara J. Bazron, PhD, Director of DBH. "Today, we urge anyone struggling with substance use to know that recovery is possible, treatment works, and you do not have to walk this path alone."

DBH and community and government partners report that 21,000 suspected overdoses have been reversed with naloxone. Naloxone is distributed by more than 100 community-based organizations and faith communities and is available in 30 pharmacies and 140 community sites in all eight wards. Anyone can text "LiveLongDC" to 888-811 to get naloxone at no charge.

Fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the District of Columbia have dropped by about 30% since this time last year. This decrease is due, in part, to a combination of evidence-based prevention, treatment and recovery services implemented as part of the District's comprehensive plan to reduce opioid use, misuse and related deaths.

"We are encouraged that our strategies are working and lifesaving tools are widely available in our communities," added Director Bazron. "Our goal remains to end overdose and make treatment available to anyone who is ready. Today, thousands of District residents are living addiction-free with the right treatment and supports."

DBH has participated in Overdose Awareness Day events throughout the past week, including at Lunch and Learn conversations hosted by the DC Prevention Centers. Today, outreach teams are at Starburst Plaza distributing naloxone and conducting HIV testing. Other events today include trainings, a community conversation at the Anacostia House and a Spanish-speaking movie screening about the impacts of the misuse of fake pills. A complete list of today's events can be found here.

DBH provides treatment services that are tailored to individual needs, including:

• 24/7 DC Stabilization Center for adults 18 years or older in a substance use disorder crisis
• Medications in hospital emergency departments, community health clinics, and DBH-certified providers
• On-the-spot medication for an overdose survivor administered by Fire and Emergency Medical Services
• Recovery housing
• Counseling and life skills support
• Peer coaches who have been there and provide support to stay in treatment and recovery
• Integrated mental health and addiction treatment and coordination with physical health care for the best health outcomes

To access treatment, residents can text Ready to 888-811 or walk into one of the treatment locations listed here.

If you or someone you know is facing addiction, call/text 988 anytime and talk with a trained, caring counselor about how treatment can work for you.

Read the full LIVE.LONG.DC. plan here.

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