San Diego (CNS)-San Diego County leaders announced Friday a plan to increase the distribution of naloxone (an overdose reversal medication) in the community at multiple community sites and clinics in the area following a surge in overdose deaths.

In 2020, the county reported 457 fentanyl-related overdose deaths, a record 202% compared to 2019, when 151 such deaths were recorded.

San Diego County Governor Nathan Fletcher and public health leaders announced plans to increase the distribution of drugs in the community as part of the harm reduction strategy, which will be held at the board meeting on June 8. On launch.

“We are increasing our commitment to a comprehensive strategy to reduce harm,” he said. “Making this life-saving drug more accessible will help prevent overdose deaths and make St. Dickens people struggling with addiction. This is A better road to recovery.”

Naloxone is a drug designed to quickly reverse opioid overdose and quickly restore normal breathing and alertness.

The county’s public health officer, Dr. Wilma Wooten, signed a naloxone routine order allowing community organizations to distribute nasal naloxone. Overdose reversal drugs will be provided free of charge, without a prescription for anyone at risk of overdose or family members or friends who are willing to take the drug.

Wuteng said: “High doses of opioids can cause breathing difficulties and decreased responsiveness, and even death.” “Naloxone saves lives by temporarily reversing those life-threatening effects until emergency medical assistance arrives.”

The county provided naloxone to law enforcement a few years ago. Like cardiopulmonary resuscitation, time is of the essence because patients who overdose need immediate intervention to improve their chances of survival. An opioid overdose can take several hours to cause death, but other drugs (such as fentanyl) can cause death within minutes.

Nasal naloxone is a pre-filled needle-free device that does not require assembly and is sprayed into one nostril when the patient lies on his back.

The county has applied for a free supply of naloxone from the U.S. Department of Health Care Services through its naloxone distribution program. The first shipment is expected to be delivered in June and will be distributed to customers and patients through county clinics.

“There is evidence that harm reduction methods have brought overwhelmingly positive results, including reducing overdose deaths, reducing the spread of hepatitis C and HIV, and increasing participation in treatment,” said Luke Burg, director of the county’s behavioral health services. Geman said.

He said: “The widespread promotion of naloxone is a key component of a comprehensive county substance use and harm reduction strategy, and it may have a direct impact on the increase in the number of overdose deaths throughout the region.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that if you suspect someone is taking an overdose of heroin or prescription opioid painkillers, you should look for the following signs:

• Small and narrow “precision student”;
• body
• The skin is fair and sticky;
• Blue nails or lips;
• Vomiting or gurgling;
• Unable to speak or be awakened, unconscious; and
• Slow breathing or slow heartbeat;

The county provides numerous prevention and treatment programs throughout the region. Those seeking help should call the San Diego County Interview and Crisis Hotline at 888-724-7240 or 2-1-1 San Diego. Resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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