Tioga County Marks “Save a Life Day” with Free Naloxone Distribution

Tioga County Marks "Save a Life Day" with Free Naloxone Distribution

Last Updated: 9/22/2025

Save a Life Day is being recognized on September 25, 2025. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the opioid crisis and the lifesaving power of naloxone. Naloxone is a safe, easy-to-use medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save lives. This is the third year Tioga County will be participating in and will be promoting the Public Access Narcan (PAN) boxes throughout the county.

Tioga County continues to lose residents every year to opioid overdoses. Rural communities are more at risk for overdose deaths due to extended first responder response times. When administered in time, the lifesaving medication, naloxone, also known as Narcan, can be used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and help save someone's life. Narcan has become easier to access in Tioga County through Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs and Public Access Narcan (PAN) boxes.

PAN boxes are an essential tool in saving lives during the opioid crisis. Just like fire extinguishers or AEDs, these boxes provide immediate access to a lifesaving resource in an emergency. Because overdoses can happen anywhere, having Narcan available in public spaces ensures that community members-whether trained professionals or bystanders-can act quickly when every second counts. Making naloxone visible and accessible reduces stigma, empowers communities to respond, and helps prevent avoidable deaths while connecting people to a second chance at recovery.

What you can do this Save a Life Day:

• Pick up a free naloxone kit and be ready to save a life.
• Learn how to recognize and respond to an overdose-it only takes a few minutes.
• Carry naloxone with you-just like a first aid kit, it can make all the difference.
• Help break the stigma-show your support by carrying naloxone and talking about overdose prevention.
• Share the message-tell friends, family, and neighbors about Save a Life Day and encourage them to get a free Narcan kit if they do not already have one at home.

Tioga County residents are encouraged to attend Opioid Overdose Prevention Training and keep Narcan in your possession, especially if you live with someone who takes prescription pain medications, has a substance use disorder, or is currently in recovery. Those with questions may contact Tioga County Public Health at 607-687-8600.

To find out where you can get Narcan, visit Tioga County Public Health or Tioga ASAP on Facebook.

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