August is Overdose Awareness Month. This global initiative aims to end overdose, reduce stigma, and honor those who have lost their lives to overdose. Communities come together to remember and support grieving families and friends. It is also a time to recognize the impact of an overdose and work toward prevention and recovery.

We are working to understand the overdose crisis here in Medina County through collaborating with local agencies and collecting data.

  • From 2020 to now, Medina County has lost over 141 individuals due to overdose. These were members of our community, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family members.
  • Nearly 80% of all overdoses cases in Medina County have involved fentanyl.

We are implementing programs to help save lives:

  • In 2023, we distributed 834 naloxone kits, a 27% increase from 2022.
  • Our county saw more than 83 overdose reversals thanks to naloxone in 2023. These reversals saved over 83 lives and allowed them a chance at getting recovery services.
  • In 2023, we also launched our fentanyl testing strip program which allows for easier identification of lethal fentanyl and prevents overdose deaths from fentanyl.

To learn more, about Overdose Awareness Day go to Overdoseday.com

If you think someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone, if available. Try to keep the person awake and breathing. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking and stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives. Together we can continue to decrease deaths caused by overdoses.