Naloxone Awareness Day

Use Naloxone to Reverse Effects of a Drug Overdose
  • Subline Title: Use Naloxone to Reverse Effects of a Drug Overdose

In recognition of National Naloxone Awareness Day, on Friday, June 6, 2025, the Community Overdose Action Team, together with the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office and Miami Valley Regional Crime Lab, is alerting the community to a recent resurgence of carfentanil in the illegal drug supply over the past few months.

Carfentanil is an extremely lethal substance that is commonly used as an elephant tranquilizer, and it's strongly recommended that everyone always carry naloxone. Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a nasal spray that, when used properly, can reverse the effects of an overdose and help keep the person alive until emergency medical services arrive. In the first half of 2025, Montgomery County has seen an increase in the presence of the drug carfentanil in overdose deaths.  “The presence of carfentanil is of concern because it lessens the ability of Narcan to reverse the effects of an overdose,” said Dr. Kent Harshbarger, Montgomery County Coroner. “This underscores the extreme danger of using drugs purchased off the street.” Although the use of Narcan helps reduce accidental overdose deaths from opioids, other harm reduction strategies should be taken to decrease the possibility of an overdose death.  The Community Overdose Action Team warns that there is no safe way to use illegal drugs . Every time you purchase and use street drugs, you risk an overdose and possible death.  Those using drugs, their friends and family, and the public must be aware of steps they can take to help reduce the risk of death.

Montgomery County’s Community Overdose Action Team has the following safety recommendations for people who use drugs:

 
  1. Have Narcan available, and someone who can administer it, in case of an overdose. Call (937) 734-9468 to get a kit today. 
  2. Do not use drugs that contain or may contain fentanyl or carfentanil.
  3. Do not use drugs alone.  
  4. Do not share needles.  
  5. In the event of an overdose, call 911 immediately. 
  6. Call Crisis Now, 24/7 at 833-580-CALL for crisis intervention services. 
  7. Register for the OD Surge Alert System to stay informed about factors that put you at further risk. Text START to (937) 582-8667.

For more information and community resources visit, the Community Overdose Action Team at www.mccoat.org or the Montgomery County Drug-Free Coalition’s community resource guide at www.MCDrugFree.org

The Community Overdose Action Team was established to address the drug overdose and addiction crisis in Montgomery County. The goal is to reduce the number of people dying from drug overdoses and drug abuse. Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services, Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County, and Montgomery County Administration are lead agencies in the effort to combat the epidemi