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Overdose Prevention & Response

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Drug overdoses are the #1 leading cause of death for adults aged 18-44 in Missouri. The devastating impact of substance use and overdose places a tremendous burden on our families, communities and healthcare systems. Missouri is committed to supporting those impacted by substance use through education, resources and access to treatment. 

One in three people have been impacted by the opioid crisis. If you or a loved one has been impacted, help is available.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Time2Act
Fatal Drug Overdose Dashboard
Safer Choices for People Who Use Drugs
Stay Safe Toolkit
Missouri Opioid Overdose and Bloodborne Infection Vulnerability Assessments
Prescription Drug Collection Locator
Voluntary Non-Opioid Directive (Optional Discussion Tool for Patients to Share …
Naloxone Standing Order

Free Training for First Responders

Take the Overdose Education and Naloxone Administration Trainings for First Responders. Both options are free and will help first responders, healthcare providers and other professionals learn the best practices for treating an opioid overdose.

Access to Naloxone

Naloxone is a medicine that quickly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of any opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).

Use naloxone for anyone showing signs of an opioid overdose, or if you suspect an overdose. It will not hurt someone who is not overdosing on opioids.

It takes 3 to 5 minutes to see naloxone’s lifesaving effects and they last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. If the person overdosing is still not breathing after 2-3 minutes, give another dose of naloxone and watch for signs of breathing for another 2-3 minutes.

We have collaborated with the Missouri Institute of Mental Health and the Department of Mental Health for the coordination of naloxone distribution.

Find places where you can get naloxone.

Resources