National Save a Life Day aims at decreasing deadly opioid overdoses

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – This year, Sept. 24 is National Save a Life Day — an effort aimed at preventing fatal drug overdoses. The Barren River District Health Department is marking the day by handing out free Naloxone.

Over the past two years, Kentucky’s overdose rates have seen a decrease. Narcan can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors in the brain.

Kentucky has high rates of overdoses, typically opioid overdoses.

“We just want to make sure that we get as much of the Narcan dispensers out as possible to reverse the opioid overdoses and prevent more deaths,” said Ashley Keown, the health educator for the Barren River Health Department.

Keown said even if you don’t use opioids, keeping Narcan nearby could one day help you save someone else’s life and stresses it’s still important to call 9-1-1 after administering it.

“I think it’s so important you know if you’re able to have a tool to save someone’s life. It’s very easy to use. It’s just a nasal spray, and you can literally save them and keep them from passing away,” she said.

If you missed Thursday’s event, you can still stop by the Barren River Health Department to pick up Narcan or Naloxone dispensers.