Benton County Health Department to host overdose awareness events

During Overdose Awareness Month, Benton County Health Department will hold free community events to increase awareness and prevention of drug overdose. The events coincide with International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), the world’s largest campaign to end overdose by raising awareness and reducing stigma.

Community members are invited to attend vigils to remember those who have died from overdose and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind. The Health Department’s Risk Reduction Program will also offer free trainings in Monroe and Corvallis on how to recognize and respond to an overdose. Free naloxone and fentanyl test strips will be distributed at each event. All four events are open to the public.