An area health department received a four-figure check to help fund the purchase of a medication used to block the effects of opioids.

Pettis County Health Center officials say data from NoMoDeaths, a state collaborative project to help combat the opioid crisis, reported that in 2019 Missouri had 788 opioid-involved overdose deaths; and in 2020, the number jumped to 1,034.

United Way of Pettis County presented a check for $3,600 to the Pettis County Health Center to help fund the free community Naloxone (Narcan) program. Naloxone is a medication that quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose within one to three minutes.

The Pettis County Health Center provides free Naloxone (Narcan) available to community members who may be at risk for an overdose as well as family and friends of those who are at risk. The Pettis County Health Center provides a brief training to demonstrate when and how to use the medication. There is no record kept of the name of those who request Naloxone (Narcan).

If you or a close member of your family or circle of friends has a concern about opioid use, call the Pettis County Health Center to discuss Naloxone (Narcan) use and availability at (660) 827-1130 or come to the Pettis County Health Center at 911 East 16th Street in Sedalia and speak to a public health staff member about Narcan.

Pictured are: from left, Erica Elliott, PCHC, Catterina Riddle, UWPC, and Dawn Williams, PCHC. (Photo courtesy of Pettis County Health Center/United Way of Pettis County)