Harm Reduction

In Oklahoma, substance use and overdose rates have been rising, reflecting a concerning trend. In recent years, the state has seen a significant increase in overdose deaths, particularly related to opioids like prescription painkillers and heroin. For example, in 2021 alone, over 1,200 people died from drug overdoses, with a large portion of those being linked to opioids. This alarming situation highlights the urgent need for better education, prevention efforts and access to treatment for those struggling with substance use. Choctaw Nation is working to tackle this issue through various programs to reduce stigma, provide resources and promote harm reduction strategies to help save lives.

What is available to me?

Narcan and fentanyl testing strips for harm reduction; Deterra and pill locking caps for prevention; fentanyl-resistant gloves for safety.

Narcan, or naloxone

A medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose, which happens when someone takes too much of an opioid like heroin, prescription painkillers or fentanyl. It works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, allowing the person to breathe normally again and potentially saving their life. Narcan is easy to use and can be administered as a spray in the nose or as an injection. After using Narcan, it is essential to safely dispose of any leftover medications to prevent misuse.

Deterra bags

A great way to safely dispose of any leftover medications; they’re special pouches that allow you to safely dispose of unwanted medications at home. You just put the pills in the bag, add water and seal it up. This helps keep our communities safe by ensuring that unused medications don’t end up in the wrong hands.

Pill-locking caps

Special tops for prescription medication bottles to keep them secure and prevent accidental access. These caps require a specific method to open, making it harder for children or anyone else who shouldn’t have access to the medication to get inside. Using pill-locking caps is important because it helps prevent accidental overdoses, especially in homes with kids or vulnerable individuals. They also reduce the risk of someone misusing the medication. By keeping prescriptions safe and secure, pill-locking caps protect loved ones and ensure medications are used properly.

Fentanyl testing strips

Simple tools that can help people check whether a substance contains fentanyl, a powerful and dangerous opioid. These strips work by taking a small sample of a drug and mixing it with water; if fentanyl is present, the strip will show a positive result. This is important because fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs without people knowing, which can lead to accidental overdoses.

Fentanyl-resistant gloves

Specially designed gloves that protect users from accidentally touching fentanyl or other harmful substances. Using both testing strips and these gloves can help keep people safe by ensuring they know what they’re dealing with and minimizing the risk of exposure to dangerous drugs. Together, they are vital tools for harm reduction, helping to prevent overdoses and protect health.

Our culture stays alive when you do!

Preventing a drug overdose is something anyone can do. Carry Narcan and save a life today!

Contact 580-579-4571 for access to these free resources that keep our communities safe.