Communities work to raise awareness about overdose prevention during ‘Save a Life Day’
PADUCAH, Ky – Organizations across Kentucky are working to raise awareness about overdose prevention and connect people with resources that can help save lives.
The effort comes as communities across the country recognize Save a Life Day, an annual event focused on overdose education, Narcan distribution and preparedness.
Local organizations in Paducah Kentucky participated in Save a Life Day in at the McCracken County Public Library setting up informational tables, training community members and providing free Narcan, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky has seen four consecutive years of declining overdose deaths. Prevention officials say increased awareness and access to Narcan have contributed to the decline.
Cynthia Turner, a prevention site administrator for Four Rivers Regional Prevention Center said events like Save a Life Day also help address the stigma surrounding addiction and overdose.
“Anyone can carry Narcan,” Turner said. “Anyone can have it, anyone can use it and really just promote it because it can save a life.”
Nathan Brockett, a site administrator with Turning Point Community Center, said having Narcan available before an emergency happens is an important part of being prepared.
“You don’t want to wait until something bad happens and realize you’re not prepared,” Brockett said. “We’re just trying to spread awareness and make sure people know that this stuff is free.”
Organizers say the goal is to make overdose prevention resources more accessible while encouraging people to be prepared to respond if an overdose occurs.
