After more than 100 overdose deaths were reported in San Luis Obispo County last year, one agency hopes that distributing overdose reversal kits this August will help reduce that number.
Ana-Liset Mendoza, Opioid Settlement Fund coordinator for San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health, says there were 103 total overdose deaths in 2022 and 106 in 2023.
That’s why free naloxone kits are being made available across the country. The life-saving drug can cure an overdose of heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioids.
“Naloxone is easy to administer and will get the person breathing again, and it will allow enough time for emergency services to arrive,” Mendoza said.
The kits contain:
- 2 doses of naloxone
- Information cards
- A CPR mask and gloves
- A fentanyl test strip
“If someone from the community comes by to pick up naloxone, they will also receive a brief training,” Mendoza said.
There are several pick-up locations throughout the county.
San Luis Obispo
- 277 South St., Suite T; (805) 781-4754
- 2180 Johnson Ave.; (805) 781-4275
- CAPSLO’s The Center, 705 Grand Ave.; (805) 544-2478
Arroyo Grande
- CAPSLO’s The Center, 1152 East Grand Ave.; (805) 489-4026
Grover Beach
- Longbranch Ave.; (805) 473-7080
Paso Robles
- 805 4th Street; (805) 226-3200
Atascadero
- 3556 El Camino Real; (805) 461-6080
Mendoza explains that there are some signs you can look for to detect an overdose in advance:
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Blue lips or fingertips
- High body temperature
- Gurgling noises
- Non-reaction
If you need to administer naloxone, you are protected by law.
“The Good Samaritan Law is a law of good faith that protects anyone who must assist in resuscitating someone after an overdose,” Mendoza said.
An Overdose Awareness Day event will be held on August 31st from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo.
