Aug. 31 has been designated as “Overdose Awareness Day” for 2019.

The day is to remember those who have lost their lives and their families who are left to grieve as a result of this insidious problem.

Also remember all of those who struggle with addiction, the stigma that is often attached and the anguish and stress that their families experience on a daily basis.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Inc. (ADAS, Inc.) and Operation Elk County want to make sure that families and people who struggle with illicit substance use have access to information, drug treatment and recovery.

Opioids, just one of the major drugs that are abused, have had a devastating effect on families and communities. Naloxone administration is currently the best practice for reversing opioid overdoses and preventing needless deaths. First responders have saved many lives employing this life-saving medication.

Naloxone, its brand name Narcan, is available to anyone who is an opioid drug user, or to their family members, via a standing prescription order issued by Pennsylvania’s Physician General. It is dispensed at any pharmacy and should be covered by most prescription health plans. It is a safe medication that works by counteracting the effects of opioid overdose, with no other adverse actions.

ADAS Inc. is the Single County Authority for Cameron, Elk and McKean Counties and is the starting place for those seeking help. In addition to treatment services, ADAS, Inc. can provide information concerning signs and symptoms of illicit drug use, how to recognize when an overdose is occurring and how to respond to an overdose problem. ADAS Inc. also provides free Narcan with a short training session at any of their offices to anyone who would like it. To take advantage of services offered by ADAS, Inc., call 1-844-621-4080 or visit their website at https://www.adasonline.org/.