Dakota County is recognizing August as Overdose Awareness Month with resources for people struggling with substance use and training to prevent overdoses.
The awareness month is a time to talk about a serious issue affecting many Dakota County families.
Sometimes, people accidentally take too much alcohol, prescription medicine, opioids or other drugs. Other times, they may not know how strong the drug is or that it's mixed with something dangerous, like fentanyl.
Education, support and access to treatment help prevent overdoses. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Carry naloxone (Narcan). This medicine can stop an overdose and save a life. It's safe, easy to use and free at our county buildings and library locations.
- Learn the signs of an overdose. Slow breathing, blue lips or nails, cold or clammy skin and not waking up are all warning signs. Overdoses can be reversed with naloxone.
- Talk about it. Having open, honest conversations helps break the stigma around substance use.
Upcoming overdose awareness events in Dakota County include:
- Opioid, substance-use resources at Dakota County service centers and library locations Aug. 18 –Sept. 22.
- Thrive Family Recovery Resources is hosting an open house and free naloxone training in Eagan on Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.
- Hastings' fifth-annual Overdose and Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day is planned for Aug. 21 from 6–8 p.m. at Hastings Public House. The event features a resource fair, guest speakers and a dinner.
- Naloxone training in Spanish is planned for Aug. 22 from 6–7 p.m. at Rambush Estates in Burnsville.
- Naloxone training is planned for Aug. 24 from 1–2 p.m. at King's Place Bar and Grill in Miesville.
- Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. Several Dakota County cities will host vigils at dusk. Dakota County has resources for anyone who'd like to organize an event. Email phsubstanceuseprevention@co.dakota.mn.us for more information.