Columbia library to host opioid education event, naloxone distribution

The monthly education on opioids and how to treat overdoses with naloxone, brand name Narcan, will happen July 30 at the Columbia Public Library.

The program is a partnership of Boone County Overdose Response Coalition and Columbia Boone County Public Health and Human Services are working together to host the event noon to 1 p.m. at 100 W. Broadway. Guests will receive information on naloxone and be able to take a box of the medicine home with them. Registration is not required.

Naloxone counteracts an opioid overdose. The training and distribution will include recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose and an explanation of how to use and access Narcan or naloxone nasal spray, as well. PHHS staff still will be available until 1:30 p.m. for individual education and Naloxone distribution.

There were upward of 41 opioid overdose deaths in Boone County in 2023. This is down from a peak of 65 deaths in 2022. More than 2,500 boxes of Narcan were distributed last year.