Benton County officials sent out two public safety releases the last several days – one weather related, the other that could help we local folk to respond should we encounter someone experiencing an overdose. Let’s get into it.
Be the Stranger with the Naloxone
Carrying around a small supply of naloxone could save someone’s life.
Naloxone is a safe, life-saving medication that quickly reverses opioid overdoses by blocking opioid receptors in the brain to restore normal breathing.
If someone is having an opioid overdose in public, a stranger promptly delivering naloxone can be the difference between life and death.
Officials at the Benton County Health Division think people should be aware of that fact –among others being presented in August as part of International Overdose Awareness Month.
County health experts plan free events to increase people’s understanding of overdoses.
“Death from drug overdose impacts not only the family and friends of the person lost, but also the broader community,” said Sara Hartstein, Benton County’s Public Health Division director, in a press release.
“This month serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing overdose deaths,” she said. “By showing up, working together and taking action, we can help save lives and support a healthier, more connected community.”
A training for recognizing and responding to overdoses runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 4500 S.W. Research Way.
A vigil to remember those suffering from addictions and overdoses will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at 602 S.W. Madison Ave.
A big-screen slide show will illustrate the spectrum of drug use from abstinence to overdose.
Free naloxone will be distributed at each event. All the events are open to the public and held in English. For language interpretation services, email healthdeptcommunications@bentoncountyor.gov.
A Place to Cool Off
Meanwhile, county officials are also concerned with people overdosing on heat.
With temperatures that climbed toward triple digits earlier this week, and temps that are still somewhat high, they want folks to know Corvallis offers several places where people can cool off for free.
Each of the sites has air-conditioning and drinking water. Sometimes pet crates can be made available. Additional resources can be accessed through Community Services Consortium online atcommunityservices.us or by calling 541-928-6335.
Other Corvallis cooling centers include:
- Corvallis Community Center, 2601 N.W. Tyler Ave., Corvallis, 541-766-6959
- Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave., Corvallis, 541-766-6793
- Corvallis Daytime Drop-In Center, 559 S.W. Fourth St., Corvallis, 458-233-5327
- Corvallis Hygiene Center (Unity Shelter), 211 S.E. Chapman Place, Corvallis, 541-250-5113
- CHANCE Recovery (Community Helping Addicts Negotiate Change Effectively), 535 S.W. Fourth St., Corvallis, 541-224-7839
To contact Tom Henderson about this story, emailoffice@corvallisadvocate.com
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