After months of providing naloxone to the Sedalia Police Department, Pettis County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies and schools, the Pettis County Health Center has a free supply of the opioid rescue medication for individuals.
When given in time, naloxone can quickly reverse the effects of opioid overdose and prevent death by restoring normal breathing, usually within one to three minutes. Narcan nasal spray is the most dispensed naloxone brand and requires no medical training to administer.
Drug overdose is the No. 1 leading cause of death among adults aged 18-44 in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. In 2021, more than 1,580 Missourians died from an opioid overdose — the majority from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. The opioid class of drugs includes heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, oxycodone and many other prescription and non-prescription pain relievers.
Malinda Nevils, Pettis County Health Center Registered Nurse, said many types of people are at risk of opioid overdose, including patients prescribed opioids for pain reduction or management, children who accidentally ingest the drugs in a home or people using illicit opioids or misusing prescription opioids.
“While every person is different, there are some people who have a higher chance of experiencing an opioid overdose than others,” Nevils said. “Anyone who has overdosed before, has a history of substance abuse disorder, has problems with lung functioning, are on a higher dose of opioids or who has a history of depression or suicide are at risk.”
Signs of an opioid overdose include unusual sleepiness, unresponsiveness to voices or shaking, shallow breathing or not breathing, small “pinpoint” pupils, gray or blue lips and fingernails, and/or cold or clammy skin.
“Many times friends, family or witnesses are present during an opioid overdose,” Nevils said. “With knowledge and the right tools, these bystanders can help prevent overdose deaths. Anyone can carry Narcan, give it to someone experiencing an overdose and potentially save a life.”
It can take anywhere from 30 seconds to five minutes for a dose of Narcan to take effect, depending on the route of administration and the amount of opioids in someone’s system.
“It’s important that after the first dose of Narcan is given, to call 911 for help,” Nevils said. “Rescue breathing or CPR may be given while waiting for emergency medical assistance.”
Missouri’s “Good Samaritan” law protects people who call 911 from arrest and prosecution for possession of drugs or paraphernalia. Under this law, the person who actively seeks emergency medical help in the instance of an overdose or other medical emergency and the person experiencing the medical emergency will be protected from minor drug and alcohol violations.
Due to several funding sources, the health center has a healthy supply of naloxone for public use.
“We received a large supply of Narcan through the MO-HOPE Project many months ago; however, that grant program ended,” Nevils said. “We now have an agreement to receive our supply from the Missouri Institute for Mental Health at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.”
The Missouri Institute for Mental Health is managing funds from a $458 million settlement the state of Missouri received in February 2022 to fund drug treatment and prevention programs. The funds are part of a settlement with Johnson & Johnson and three other drug distributors. These settlements will be paid out over a term of 18 years.
Individuals who want naloxone can get it from the health center for free, Nevils said.
“People need to simply walk in and tell our receptionist they are interested in Narcan,” she said. “We don’t ask any questions as to why it’s needed, nor do we ask for any identification. We provide one box of Narcan that has two nasal spray applications and educational materials on the signs of an opioid overdose. We tell people to think of it like a fire extinguisher. You have them on hand but hope that you never have to use them.”
The Pettis County Health Center is located at 911 E. 16th St.
