A recent spike in drug overdoses in the state’s southwest region has prompted the Mississippi Public Health Institute to issue an alert urging residents to be vigilant about drug activity and take action to prevent overdoses and save lives through the Make Mississippi OD Free initiative.

As part of the Overdose Response Strategy,  the Mississippi State Department of Health reported 36 overdose-related visits in June to emergency rooms in Adams, Amite, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson counties. Another 30 events requiring ambulance or paramedic services were reported.

Overdoses are now the leading cause of death among U.S. adults 18-45.

Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Director Col. Steven Maxwell emphasized the importance of making naloxone more widely available in the state.

To combat opioid overdoses, Mississippians may request naloxone be mailed directly to their homes at no cost by visiting apps.msdh.ms.gov. Naloxone’s temporary blocking effect allows time for professional medical attention to be sought.