Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response
View Listing of Oregon Pharmacies that Distribute Naloxone
THE PROBLEM
When properly used, prescription painkillers (also called opioids) can be effective tools for managing discomfort and assisting with healing. However, when not used correctly, they can be very dangerous, even fatal.
Oregon, like the rest of the country, is seeing an increase in opioid misuse, overdose, and fatalities. While progress has been made in reducing misuse and overdoses linked to prescription opioids, there has been a significant rise in fentanyl-related overdoses, as well as non-opioid drugs like methamphetamine, often combined with opioids. Almost half of opioid-related deaths in Oregon involve multiple drugs and/or alcohol.
In Deschutes County in 2022, more than 100 lives were saved by residents who administered naloxone to someone experiencing overdose. 97% of those resident bystanders (including friends, family members and strangers) provided either rescue breathing or CPR as part of their response to an overdose.
Fentanyl is a type of high potency prescription painkiller/opioid that carries a high risk of overdose and fatality. It can be manufactured illegally and it is difficult to determine the dose of street-based fentanyl.
The good news is there are things we can do as individuals, families, and as a community to prevent and respond to overdoses, in order to save lives.
WARNING SIGNS OF AN OVERDOSE
Recognizing and responding to an overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for:
- Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils"
- Falling asleep or losing consciousness
- Slow, weak or not breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Cold and/or clammy skin
- Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)
ABOUT THE ANTIDOTE: NALOXONE/NARCAN
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids—including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications—when given in time. Naloxone is easy to use and small to carry. There are two forms of naloxone that anyone can use without medical training or authorization: prefilled nasal spray and injectable.
HOW TO GET NALOXONE/NARCAN
- Visit a pharmacy that carries naloxone:
- Nasal narcan is now available over the counter at many pharmacies
- View Listing of Oregon Pharmacies that Distribute Naloxone (pdf)
- Attend an event through the Harm Reduction Program:
- FREE injectable naloxone or nasal Narcan available those at high risk for having or witnessing an overdose. To access, please attend one of the events listed here.
- Learn more about responding to an opioid overdose at https://harmreduction.org/issues/overdose-prevention/overview/overdose-basics/responding-to-opioid-overdose/
OREGON'S GOOD SAMARITAN LAW
Oregon’s Good Samaritan Law protects anyone – witnesses and victims – seeking medical assistance in drug related overdoses.
If someone is overdosing and you call for medical help, you cannot be arrested or prosecuted for:
- Possessing drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Being in a place where drugs are used
- Violating probation or parole because of drug use or possession
- Outstanding warrant because of drug use or possession
The best way to prevent an opioid overdose is to not use substances that you get from someone other than a doctor or pharmacist. Each of us can make a difference by following these six steps:
- Only use medications prescribed by your doctor and follow their instructions
- Never share prescription medication
- Store medications at home in safe locations
- Get rid of unused medications at a drug disposal location near you
- Learn about reversing an overdose with Narcan/Naloxone
- If you are using substances not from a provider
- Use fentanyl test strips
- Do not use alone
Learn more about Fentanyl test strips
Learn more about safe use, storage and disposal of medications
RECOVERY RESOURCES
Recovery Network of Oregon is a mobile app and a web directory of support services, providers, peers, and meetings designed to assist people with their recovery from drugs and alcohol. Find the resources you need or talk to a peer for help.
WHAT DCHS IS DOING & HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Deschutes County Health Services is actively working to prevent and respond to overdoses. Learn more about these efforts and how to get involved:
Deschutes County Harm Reduction Program – This program offers evidence-based strategies to address potential harms related to substance use, including tools for overdose prevention and response, safer use, and community resources.
Measure 110 funding and a Behavioral Health Resource Network grant have enabled Deschutes County to partner with a number of treatment and response agencies, host community meetings and support groups, and coordinate with Jefferson and Crook Counties on surveillance and evidence-based response strategies to save lives.
The Shared Future Coalition – working to prevent underage substance misuse through community by empowering youth to reduce substance misuse through inclusive and equitable engagement, community education, and policy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Visit the Deschutes County Harm Reduction Program Page
- Visit TakeMedsSeriouslyOregon.org
