News & Events
Much of our work involves measuring the difference others make. Getting involved and making our own difference is also an important part of who we are as individuals and as an organization.
June 6th is National Naloxone Awareness Day which aims to raise awareness about naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, and to encourage wider access to this vital resource.
About Narcan/Naloxone:
- Mechanism of Action: Naloxone effectively blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores normal breathing.
- Forms of Administration: Naloxone can be administered as a nasal spray, or by injection.
- Over-the-Counter Availability: As of March 2023, the FDA approved naloxone nasal spray (including Narcan™) for over-the-counter sale, making it easier for people to access.
- Effectiveness and Safety: Naloxone is safe and effective and can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes. It will not cause harm to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose.
- Important Note: While naloxone can save a life by temporarily reversing an overdose, it's crucial to call emergency medical services (like 911) immediately after administering it. Naloxone's effects can wear off, and the person may require further medical attention.
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1 in 4 children in the USA have a parent with a substance use disorder. A significant number of those children have a parent whose addiction is moderate or severe as opposed to mild.
Young children in homes affected by parental SUD are at increased risk of experiencing impaired caregiving, disruption of parental abilities, unintentional ingestions, and witnessing parental overdose.
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National Prevention Week is a public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations across the country that are preventing substance use and misuse — and promoting positive mental health.
National Prevention Week is taking place from May 11-17, 2025! Get involved by sharing your #MyPreventionStory on social media, using our planning toolkit, and hosting your own prevention event or activity.
For more information click here.
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In an effort to educate the community on “The Dangers of Today’s Cannabis,” the City of Mission Viejo is hosting an important drug prevention workshop on May 14.
Open to all ages the program begins at 5 pm (with check-in and resources at 4:30 pm) in the City Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center.
Led by Joe Eberstein of the Cannabis Public Health Initiative, the program will focus on the hype and reality of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); how the teen brain is impacted; how to keep kids and elderly parents safe; and more.
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Fentanyl Awareness Day is a national observance created to increase understanding of the dangers of illicit fentanyl and to promote prevention and education efforts across the country. While each of us approach this work in unique ways - through education, treatment, harm reduction, policy, outreach, public safety, and more - we are united by a shared commitment of preventing overdose and creating a safer San Diego County.
In recognition of this important day, we’ve gathered a few resources and tools that you can use to support awareness activities within your organizations and communities. These include social media messages, fact sheets, and educational toolkits. We invite you to share these resources widely and use them to support your ongoing prevention efforts. Visit SUOPT.org
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