Every year, August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day. It’s a day to remember and grieve those we’ve lost, and to strengthen resolve to end overdose injuries and deaths.

Recent information from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) shows that in 2021 there was a 22% increase in drug overdose deaths over 2020 for a total of 1,286.  For the first time since 2014, there was a larger percentage increase in overdose deaths in greater Minnesota (23%) than in the seven-county metro area (20%).  Through analysis of death certificates, MDH found that fentanyl was involved in 90% of all deaths involving opioids.

Naloxone is a lifesaving medicine that can reverse an overdose from opioids. Often given as a nasal spray, naloxone is safe and easy to use–and is safe to administer when bystanders are uncertain if opioids are involved because adverse side effects are very rare.

The Naloxone Finder on the Know the Dangers website can help people locate naloxone, which can be picked up at any time and kept in case of an overdose.

The following community-based organizations provide Naloxone overdose training and kits free of charge:

• Steve Rummler HOPE Network—Call 952-943-3937.

• Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN)—Call 320-257-3036.

• Red Door Clinic—Call 612-543-5555.

• Indigenous Peoples Task Force—Call 612-870-1723.

• LSS StreetWorks Collaborative—Call 612-354-3345 or e-mail [email protected].