The Green River District Health Department has issued an overdose alert for Daviess County after 13 suspected nonfatal overdoses were reported by emergency medical services between Jan. 29 and Feb. 4.
According to the department, that number is higher than expected for the time period and signals an increased risk within the community. The alert was triggered through the Kentucky Drug Overdose Alert System, which tracks overdose trends using the Overdose Detection Mapping Application System.
Alerts are generated when a county sees a significant rise in overdose-related emergency calls over a short time.
In response, the health department is urging residents — especially those at risk of overdose and their families — to take preventive action.
Recommended steps include:
- Carrying naloxone and using it if an overdose is suspected
- Learning to recognize the signs of an overdose
- Calling 911 immediately when an overdose is suspected
- Sharing overdose prevention resources with friends, family, and neighbors
Naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, is available throughout the region. Because fentanyl is often found in unregulated drugs, the department emphasized that naloxone may be effective even when opioids are not expected.
Local distribution site information is available at healthdepartment.org/naloxone, and additional access points can be found at findnaloxonenowky.org .
Harm reduction services, including syringe exchange programs and access to naloxone, are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at both the Daviess County Health Center and the Henderson County Health Center.
The department encourages residents to use available resources, stay informed, and look out for one another during this period of heightened risk.
For more information, call 270-686-7747 or visit healthdepartment.org/green-river-exchange.
