The Mississippi State Department of Health is celebrating a milestone in its pursuit to curb overdose fatalities.
On Thursday, the agency announced its opioid and substance use program had distributed more than 20,000 free individual naloxone kits throughout the state. Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications.
State health officials began offering free naloxone kits to the public in December 2022. The recently reached milestone is being celebrated ahead of “International Overdose Awareness Day,” which takes place on Aug. 31.
“Our program is saving lives every day by making naloxone readily available to the people of Mississippi,” Jon Hubanks, director of the opioid and substance use program, said. “By increasing access to this lifesaving medication, we are breaking down barriers that often lead to tragic outcomes. Each kit we distribute not only protects someone from an opioid overdose but also reflects our commitment to the health, well-being, and safety of everyone in Mississippi.”
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Mississippi drug overdose deaths reached an all-time high of 787 deaths in 2021 and are currently on the decline. The department of health credits the downtick to prevention and linkage to care efforts.
The naloxone kits being offered are valued at around $50 each and made available through federal cooperative agreements. For those who may be at risk or know somebody who may be susceptible to an opioid overdose, it is recommended to have a kit available. Requesting a kit requires an individual to watch a short training video and complete a survey at this link.
