LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 22, 2024) — In honor of International Drug Overdose Awareness Day, the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC), part of the University of Kentucky College of Public Health (CPH), is hosting an event to raise awareness and provide critical resources to combat the ongoing drug overdose crisis. The event will be held on August 28 from noon to 2 p.m. in CPH Room 207. The event is open to members of the university community, including CPH students, staff and faculty, healthcare professionals and anyone interested in overdose prevention.
“We are excited to bring the community and experts in the field together to share important information and resources that can save lives,” said Terry Bunn, KIPRC Director. “This event is an important step in KIPRC’s ongoing commitment to combat the overdose epidemic and support people affected by substance use disorders.”
The event will feature several interactive tables on different topics where attendees can explore and gather information about important overdose prevention resources and initiatives:
Administration of naloxone: Attendees will learn about the life-saving effects of naloxone, a medication used to treat opioid overdose. The event will include a demonstration of how to administer naloxone to prepare participants for an overdose emergency.
Drug overdose trends: Experts provide an overview of current drug overdose trends in Kentucky and across the country, and discuss some of the factors contributing to the rise in overdose deaths and the populations most at risk.
KIPRC tracking tool: Learn about KIPRC’s innovative search tool, FindHelpNowKY.org, which helps individuals find substance use disorder treatment options, rehabilitation housing, and mental health services with available spots. It is an important resource for those seeking immediate help and long-term rehabilitation solutions.
Community resources and initiatives for overdose prevention: It also highlights local community resources and overdose prevention initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of the opioid crisis.
Research opportunities: Talk to KIPRC staff about research opportunities related to substance abuse prevention and treatment.
This event is a unique opportunity for the community to come together to learn about available resources and explore how to support people with substance use disorders.
For more information and ways to get involved, visit https://KIPRC.uky.edu.
KIPRC is a unique partnership between the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) and the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. KIPRC serves as both an academic research center for injury prevention and a designee or bona fide agent of DPH for statewide injury prevention and control.
