OVERDOSE ALERT FOR LEXINGTON: Lexington is reporting an unusually high number of suspected nonfatal drug overdoses, with 29 Jan. 4-7 according to the Overdose Detection Mapping Application System (ODMAP). By comparison, there were 17 such reports the entire previous week.

This is an important time to carry naloxone, used to reverse opioid overdoses, especially if you or someone you know has substance use disorder. Fentanyl has been found in all types of regulated drugs, so naloxone may help regardless of the drug taken.

Our Harm Reduction Program provides naloxone to anyone who needs it. A 10-15-minute class is all it takes to have an important tool to help the community. Naloxone kits are available 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, 3-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays in the Dr. Rice C. Leach Community Room at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, 650 Newtown Pike.

Other ways to help include the following:

• Don’t use drugs alone
• If you or someone you know needs help with substance use disorder, visit https://findhelpnowky.org/ky to search for available treatment options (or call 1-833-859-4357 during business hours or 1-800-854-6813 after business hours)
• Check in on friends, family members, neighbors and others to share this information
• Call 911 if you suspect an overdose.

Thank you to the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Public Health and the Kentucky Department for Public Health in sharing this information to help protect people in our community!