The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is marking International Overdose Awareness Day by spreading the word about how to prevent more drug-related tragedies.
Members of the CKHA are wearing "Save a Life" t-shirts as a visual reminder that the potentially life-saving drug Naloxone is available for free in the municipality.
The drug can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, which can buy enough time for EMS to arrive.
Anyone can pick up a nasal spray Naloxone kit from the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit Sexual Health Clinic located at the WISH Centre on King St. in Chatham. You don't even need a health card to pick one up.
Injectable Naloxone kits are also available at 14 pharmacies with a valid health card.
Officials with the CKHA say "although Chatham-Kent has not yet experienced an opioid crisis, surrounding communities throught the province and across the country are pleading for everyone to take proactive steps to minimize the needless loss of life."
Researchers recently found that the number opioid prescriptions for pain in Southwestern Ontario are among the highest in the province.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit also recently received $150,000 in extra provincial funding to battle opioid abuse.
The Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council is also hosting some events this evening to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.
They are taking place at Blythe Park at 7pm and will end with a water lantern ceremony to remember those who have died because of an overdose.
