(KLZA)-- August 26 - 31 is Overdose Awareness Week.

The 4-County Collaborative is highlighting this week in an attempt to help people combat addiction.

Collaborative Coordinator Laura Osborn notes that overdoses not only happen to those who regularly use substances, they also happen to individuals who are struggling with their mental health causing them to either self-medicate or consider and / or attempt suicide.

Osborne says it is important for people to know about naloxone and how to use it. Naloxone is a drug used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available at participating pharmacies for free.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services notes that 206 people died from drug overdoeses in 2022, 112 of which were opioid related.

To determine if an individual may be experiencing an opioid-related overdoes, look for the signs and symptoms which include:

A history of current narcotic or opioid use or fentanyl patches on skin or needle in the body.

Unresponsive or unconcious individuals. Not breathing or slow/shallow respirations.

Snoring or gurgling sounds. Blue lips. Pinpoint pupils and clammy skin.

If you believe you need to administor naloxone, first call 911 to get emergency responders on the way. Then use one of the two devices in a naloxone package and spray into one nostril of the individual. If minimal or no response, after 2 - 3 minues, repeat with the second device in the package to the other nostril.

You can find educational information about naloxone and referral to treatment options at stopodne.com.

Training is also available for those who want to be better equipped to help others. If you are interested in free training, contact Laura Osborne at 402-414-2460 or at FourCountyCollaborative@gmail.com