COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP) is launching a harm reduction campaign to prevent overdose fatalities in Bartholomew County. Fentanyl in drug supplies has increased unintended use, causing the number of overdose deaths to rise.
As of Tuesday, 37 people had died from overdoses in Bartholomew County so far this year, the highest annual total on record, according to the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office. At least 190 people have died from drug overdoses in the county since 2015.
Due to the increase in overdose fatalities, ASAP has launched the “Narcan Behind Every Bar” campaign as part of its harm reduction approach to substance use. ASAP is giving out 10 doses of Narcan and 10 fentanyl strips to every liquor store and bar that will take them, with instructions on how to use them, and how to get more if they need them.
Naloxone (Narcan) is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. It only works on opioids, such as heroin, prescription painkillers, and fentanyl but it is safe to use even if opioids are not present.
Subscribe to the LND Newsletter to receive stories like this in your mailbox every morning six days a week.
