International Overdose Awareness Day Is Wednesday, August 31
On International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, and during Nebraska Drug Overdose Awareness week, August 28 to September 3, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services aim is to provide education about drug overdoses, connect those who need support and treatment to help, and provide support to those who have lost a loved one to overdose.
Heartview Foundation Launches Emergency Room Opioid Program
Heartview Foundation, in partnership with Sanford Health, CHI, Ministry on the Margins, and the Bismarck Police Department, launched a program this week to help bridge overdose victims into treatment. In January, the Bismarck Police Department received a grant of nearly $1 million from the Department of Justice to help combat the opioid overdose epidemic. Since the beginning of the year, Heartview Foundation has been hiring staff for the program and working with hospital partners to train ER physicians and work out project details. On Monday, Aug. 1, the program began at Sanford’s Emergency Room, with plans to expand the program to CHI and other hospitals across the state in the near future.
Avera Supports Efforts to Curb Opioid Dangers
Avera Health is also taking a multi-level approach to combating the opioid abuse and overdose problem in our region.