Community
8 September, 2023
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WRAD Health is launching a new campaign to stop accidental overdose deaths, with concerns rising about the impacts of prescription drugs.
The WRAD Health building in Merri Street turned purple last Thursday, August 31, to recognise International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) and remember without stigma those who have died or become permanently injured due to overdose.
The day also highlighted effective harm reduction strategies, including the use of Naloxone.
AOD clinician Anna Pike said WRAD Health used IOAD to increase awareness of preventable death, including those due to prescription medication.
“The Australian institute of Health and Welfare records prescription opioids as the most common drug class present in drug-induced deaths over the past decade,” Ms Pike said.
However, Ms Pike said many of those deaths could have been avoided by using Naloxone, which became available with no prescription needed from July 1, 2022.
“Naloxone is for anyone who may experience, or witness, an opioid overdose or adverse reaction,” Ms Pike said. “The person will still need emergency help but Naloxone can give emergency services more time to get to the person. Naloxone is a safe and effective medication that now comes in a nasal spray.”
Naloxone is available from WRAD Health and pharmacies but many don’t realise its life-saving potential.
“Most people don’t know about Naloxone,” Ms Pike said. “We pass on the information to people who attend WRAD Health with opioid use problems, but it isn’t well known in the community.
“The biggest overdose numbers in Australia are from prescription opiates. Many people don’t realise how easy it is to overdose on prescription medication so it is important to have access to Naloxone.”
WRAD Health also provides Naloxone education sessions for interested community members.
People who may benefit from Naloxone or harm reduction, or know someone who may benefit from the medication, can reach out to WRAD Health on 5564 5777 or call in at 172 Merri Street, Warrnambool.
