May 11, 2023; Free opioid overdose response kits and fentanyl testing strips are now available to anyone who requests them at the Lake County Health and Human Services offices in Two Harbors and Silver Bay. Health and Human Service leaders say no questions will be asked when people request these items.
Lake County Health and Human Services offices have become Naloxone Access Points through the Steve Rummler HOPE Network. The Clair Nelson Center in Finland is also a Naloxone Access Point, giving Lake County residents three options to obtain these life-saving products free of charge.
“Counties across the country are receiving opioid settlement funding to get ahead of or respond to the opioid crisis. We learned about the Steve Rummler HOPE Network’s Naloxone Access Points work while researching harm reduction strategies,” said John Overly, Lake County Public Health Nurse.
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It does not produce any form of intoxication and has little to no adverse effects. There are two forms of naloxone that anyone can use without medical training or authorization: prefilled nasal spray and injectable. The naloxone available at the access points is the injectable version. Everything you need, including directions for administering naloxone, is included in the kits. You can also watch a short training video to learn how to administer naloxone at the Two Harbors or Silver Bay sites or by visiting https://steverummlerhopenetwork.org/portal/login-page/ .
Naloxone is also available through your health care provider or local pharmacy.
If you suspect an opioid overdose, first call 911. Then, make sure the airway is clear and provide rescue breaths before administering naloxone. In Minnesota, people calling 911 to seek help for an overdose have limited immunity from drug charges.
If you are in crisis or simply want to talk with someone about mental health issues, please call or text 988 or call 844-772-4724.
