The Lake County Health Department is combating the opioid crisis in a multitude of ways, including the distribution of free Naloxone.
By PF Staff
info@purofutbolonline.com

Lake County, IL. -Over the weekend of June 4, 2022, an increase in opioid-related overdoses occurred among Lake County residents. The increase has been reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
There has been a nationwide surge in unintentional polysubstance (e.g., opioid and fentanyl, etc.) and counterfeit prescription drug use. Unintentional polysubstance use can occur when a person takes drugs that have been mixed with other products without their knowledge.
In 2020 alone, Lake County opioid overdose deaths rose 19.5 percent The Lake County Health Department is combating the opioid crisis in a multitude of ways, including the distribution of free Naloxone to community members and law enforcement personnel. Naloxone is a non-addictive, life-saving medication. It can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when used in time. It is easy to get and easy to use.
Lake County residents, especially those whose loved ones may be using opioids, are encouraged to have Naloxone on hand in case of an overdose.
Symptoms of an opioid overdose:

• Unconsciousness, or inability to wake up
• Limp body
• Falling asleep, extreme drowsiness
• Slow, shallow, irregular or no breathing
• Pale, blue, cold and/or clammy skin
• Choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds
• Slow or no heartbeat

Call 911 immediately, provide the location of the overdose.
Administer Naloxone, if available. Naloxone won’t harm someone if they are overdosing from a drug other than opioids:

• Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
• Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
• Stay with the individual until help arrives.
  If you would like to request free Naloxone, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/naloxone or call (847) 377-8199.