HHS offers resources in observation of International Overdose Awareness Day

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International Overdose Awareness Day is observed on Aug. 31. As North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) continues its effort to enhance services and supports it will commemorate this day by remembering those lost due to drug overdoses and recognizes the grief of their family members and friends. HHS is dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of drug overdoses and the available prevention resources that can help save lives in North Dakota.

North Dakota has experienced 575 overdose deaths over the past five years (2019-2023) with 116 overdose deaths in 2023. These figures underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Overdose

• An overdose requires immediate medical attention. Individuals may be experiencing a drug overdose if they exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
• Unresponsiveness, slow or stopped heartbeat or breathing
• Limp body with blue-tinged fingernails or lips
• Vomiting or making gurgling noises

If these signs are observed, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available.

Resources to Save Lives - Naloxone / Narcan

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is an effective opioid overdose reversal medication. It is available through many North Dakota public health units, pharmacies, over the counter or from primary care providers. A free two-dose naloxone kit can also be requested from the HHS Behavioral Health Division by visiting hhs.nd.gov/opioids or calling (701) 328-8920, 711 (TTY).

North Dakota's Good Samaritan Law protects individuals who administer naloxone in good faith and contact 911 during an opioid overdose.

"We are dedicated to collaborating with our partners to tackle the overdose crisis," said Behavioral Health Division Director Pamela Sagness. "Providing North Dakotans with access to naloxone and the necessary training to administer it during an overdose is essential for saving lives across the state."

From October 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, the Behavioral Health Division, in collaboration with local public health units, tribal health units and pharmacies, distributed 20,368 naloxone kits in North Dakota. During this same period, 642 overdose reversals were reported. For naloxone training or other resources to prevent overdose and overdose deaths, visit hhs.nd.gov/opioids or contact a local public health unit.

Treatment and Support Options

Various treatment options are available for individuals with substance use disorders, including services from the state's eight regional human service centers, four licensed opioid treatment programs and other private providers. To find a treatment provider in North Dakota, visit hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/find-services.

Additionally, Recovery Talk is a free, confidential service offering peer support from individuals with lived experience in addiction recovery, available anytime, day or night. Whether you're looking for guidance, resources or someone to listen, trained specialists offer compassionate guidance, non-judgmental support. Call or text (701) 291-7901. Learn more about Recovery Talk: hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/recovery-talk.

North Dakota Opioid Settlement Fund Grant

More than a dozen agencies across North Dakota received grant funding in January, totaling over $7 million from the North Dakota Opioid Settlement Fund (OSF) Grant. These funds have been instrumental in supporting implementation of prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery initiatives, as well as enhancing the state's behavioral health workforce. Over the past six months, nearly 900 North Dakotans have benefited from programs and services funded by these grants. Learn more about these programs here: hhs.nd.gov/news/north-dakotans-benefit-statewide-opioid-settlement-funds.

Learn more about The State of North Dakota court-approved settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors here: hhs.nd.gov/opioids/settlement.

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