SLO Behavioral Health Urges Community Participation at Overdose Awareness Day Event

Author: Behavioral Health
Date: 8/26/2024 8:55 AM

The annual event creates a day of remembrance, learning, and support for all members of our community; 'Together We Can' end overdose.

The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Departmentis proud to sponsor the 6^th annual Overdose Awareness Dayevent on August 31 at Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo from 2pm-4pm. The free event offers a safe space for community members to hear from local experts about the opioid crisis and receive Naloxone kits to keep themselves, family, and friends safe from overdose.

"Overdose Awareness Day is a vital opportunity for our community to come together, not only to remember those we've lost but to take meaningful action to prevent future tragedies," said Dr. Star Graber, PhD, LMFT, Director of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department. "By educating ourselves, supporting one another, and utilizing life-saving tools like Naloxone, we can create a safer, healthier future for everyone in San Luis Obispo County. Together, we can make a difference."

In 2023, 106 community members lost their lives to overdose. Of those overdoses, 83% involved opioid drugs. Event attendees will have the opportunity to participate in training on how to respond to an overdose, including how to administer the life-saving medication Naloxonee--the only way to reverse an opioid overdose. All attendees will receive a free Overdose Reversal Kit to take home.

"This event is not just for people who have lost a loved one, it is for our entire community," said Jenn Rhoads, SLO Behavioral Health's Opioid Safety Coordinator. "Overdose Awareness Day is a chance for the public to have safe conversations about the dangers of opioids and fentanyl, hear about experiences from neighbors, learn prevention strategies, and overall help destigmatize overdose. Overdose does not discriminate; it has affected all walks of life in SLO County and it's going to take all of us together to stop it."

Community members not able to attend this year's event can still access free Overdose Reversal Kits by placing orders online at www.NaloxoneNowSLO.orgor at several community distribution sites including Behavioral Health Drug and Alcohol Clinics in San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles, and Atascadero.

More details about the Opioid Safety Coalition and Behavioral Health Overdose Prevention can be found online at www.slocounty.ca.gov/osc. Residents may access substance use treatment services by calling the SLO Behavioral Health's access line at 1-800-838-1381.

ABOUT SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY HEALTH AGENCY
The Health Agency's mission is to provide a broad array of services essential to the health and well-being of those living in and visiting San Luis Obispo County. Its vision is to ensure that our residents and visitors are healthy and have access to services essential to maintain optimal health. The Health Agency is comprised of the Behavioral Health Department, Public Health Department, Animal Services Division, and the Office of the Public Guardian. It is the largest department in San Luis Obispo County Government with nearly 800 employees and an annual operating budget of $150 million. For more information on the programs and services the Health Agency provides, visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Health-Agency.

ABOUT SLO OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY
SLO Overdose Awareness Day, founded by Kim Lacey after the accidental overdose of her son, is an annual local event created with the support of the International Overdose Awareness Day(IOAD) in Australia. SLO Overdose Awareness Dayis a San Luis Obispo County nonprofit committed to raising awareness and providing resources about overdose, including how to access Naloxone and training to administer it. Through awareness campaigns, education initiatives, and community engagement, the organization strives to create a healthier and safer environment for all residents.