By Al Vineyard
“One overdose death is too many,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. In 2019, there were 1,094 opioid-related overdoses in Missouri. They were loved ones, neighbors, and fellow community members.
“As a community, we can work together to save lives,” said Marietta Hagan, CoxHealth Population Health Services. Hagan is the project coordinator for the Stone and Taney Counties Substance Use Initiative.
Thanks to a partnership between the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Community Distribution Program and local treatment and recovery support organizations, Narcan is now available for free in Stone and Taney Counties.
Narcan is an easily administered nasal spray that reverses the effects of opioids. This nasal spray is safe to use for children and adults suspected of overdose. The medication will only affect people with opioids in their system. Narcan does not replace medical treatment for an overdose, it simply temporarily reverses the effects. 911 should be called immediately.
Warning signs of an overdose include:
- Constricted pupils
- Loss of consciousness
- Shallow breathing
- Pale, cold skin
- Choking or gurgling sounds
The Substance Use Initiative thanks the following organizations for distributing Narcan and providing instructions on identifying opioid overdose and administering the nasal spray. For more information regarding full Narcan training, please contact your local distribution center or visit www.drugfreeozarks.org. Together, we can save lives.
310 Gretna Road, Branson, MO 65616
417-335-9915
Drop-in Hours:
Monday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 1-6 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
180 Claremont Road, Branson, MO 65616
417-272-3002
Daily: 8a.m. to 8 p.m.
150 Keystone Road, Reeds Spring, MO 65737
417-559-1143
Monday-Saturday: 1- 8 p.m.
Drug Free Ozarks
Branson, MO 65616
417-239-5165
Monday – Friday: by appointment
895 State Hwy 248, Branson, MO 65616
417-527-8877
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Substance Use Initiative is aimed at reducing and preventing substance use in Stone and Taney Counties. It is a project of CoxHealth and funded through a Skaggs Legacy Endowment grant. To learn more about the Substance Use Initiative, visit drugfreeozarks.org or on Facebook at DrugFreeOzarks.