The Sedalia Police Department has recently seen an increase in drug overdoses.

A news release says SPD and other first responders have successfully administered NARCAN, a nasal spray that reverses the effects of opioids, to victims who otherwise would have died. However, some members of the community have not been as fortunate.

The overdoses encompass all ages of victims, but the consistent factor is the use of heroin or fentanyl- which come in any form from powder to non-pharmaceutical pills. These substances are highly addictive, very dangerous and only a very small amount, like displayed in the picture, is enough to cause an overdose and/or death. If you or know someone you know is suffering from addiction, you are urged to seek treatment.

One resource specifically centered on opioid addiction is EPICC (Engaging Patients in Care Coordination), which is a coordinated effort between Burrell Behavior Health and Compass Health Network. Recovery coaches meet and engage with patients on a personal level using individual lived experience. They provide appointments for substance-use treatment and screening, as well as medications and education to assist a patient’s recovery process. The program is self-paced and comes at no cost to the patient. Coaches will continue to provide personal engagement and assistance in each patient’s unique journey. For more information and help call (800) 395-2132.

If you know someone who sells or illegally provides these substances to people, you are encouraged to contact the Sedalia Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit at (660) 827-7823, ext. 1243; or e-mail tips to DrugEnforcement@sedaliapolice.com.