Joy Greenwald, Townsquare Media
Joy Greenwald, Townsquare Media
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The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is taking several steps to fight opioid abuse in the state, according to a department spokeswoman.

Kim Deti says the steps include sponsorship of an advertising campaign as well as efforts to raise awareness of a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses and of a drug deactivation bag program.

The ad campaign is produced by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and illustrates prescription opioid abuse and overdose dangers. The campaign will include radio, television, newspaper and online advertising, focusing on areas of the state most affected by opioid abuse.

Deti says the department also wants people to know about naloxone (also known as Narcan), a safe, life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. While naloxone is a prescription medication, Wyoming law allows pharmacists to prescribe if to individuals. Wyoming first-responder organizations such as local law enforcement units can apply for grant funding from the WDH.

More information on obtaining naloxone from the WDH is available online. The department is also offering free supplies of Deterra drug deactivation bags. You can get more information on the Deterra bags by emailing Melissa.payne1@wyogov.

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