State amnesty law offers limited protection of overdose victims

ALBANY — The misuse of opioids, including prescription pain medication, heroin and synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl, is a national public health crisis. According to the CDC, drug overdose-related deaths have quintupled since 1999. In 2022, there have been 29 drug-related deaths in Dougherty County among residents ages 24-64. Fentanyl has been present in most opioid overdoses in Dougherty County this year. Opioid overdose deaths are preventable.

If you suspect a drug overdose, administer naloxone if you have it and know how to use it. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can be obtained from pharmacies in Georgia without a prescription under a standing order. Naloxone is available for free at the Dougherty County Health Department on Wednesdays, from 1-5 p.m.