What is an overdose?

Today is Overdose Awareness Day: a day to remember those we’ve lost to drug overdose, and to dedicate ourselves to preventing overdoses in our community. Drug overdose is a health crisis that has affected families throughout Western New York: at Evergreen, we’re committed to reducing the number of overdoses in our community through our many harm reduction services.

This year, we’re commemorating Overdose Awareness Day as always with our memorial ribbon wall at 206 S. Elmwood; and by sharing some information you may not know about what an overdose is, how to recognize it, and how to stop an overdose in action. Read on to learn more.

What is an overdose?

An opioid overdose happens when opioids slow down the part of your brain that regulates breathing. It leads to death if it isn’t treated in time.

How can I tell if someone is having an overdose?

Symptoms of an overdose include:

• pinpoint pupils
• falling asleep or unconscious
• breathing slow, weak, or not at all
• choking or gurgling sounds
• discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)

How do I stop an overdose?

You can stop an opiod overdose with Naloxone, a medication given through nasal spray. Anyone can carry naloxone, give it to someone experiencing an overdose, and potentially save a life. Naloxone is legal to carry and you can get it for free.

Where do I get naloxone?

Walk in to Evergreen Health’s harm reduction centers in Buffalo and Jamestown to get free Naloxone and a 5-minute training on how to use it.

You can also get free Naloxone at our 24/7 outdoor Naloxone vending machines, located at:

• Evergreen Health, 320 Prather Ave, Jamestown
• Safe Point Lighthouse, 303 Main St, Dunkirk

What if I give someone Naloxone and it turns out to not be an overdose?

If you’re unsure whether or not someone is experiencing an overdose, give them Naloxone: it’s not harmful in the case it’s not an overdose, and could save their life if it is.

How else can I prevent overdoses in my community?

22% of people who died of overdose in 2022 reported having mental health concerns. Recognizing the role mental health plays in substance use is essential: encourage your loved ones to get help and care for their mental health, and call out stigma about mental health and substance use when you hear it.