Opioid Overdose Prevention

Information About Opioids and Overdose Prevention

Visit us at HarmReductionAllegheny.org.

After an unprecedented number of deaths from overdose in 2017 (737 total deaths, 623 coming from opioid overdose), the number of fatal overdoses decreased by 40% in 2018 (423 total deaths, 366 coming from opioid overdose). ACHD is working with government and community partners to address this epidemic head-on. This section offers information about opioid addiction, treatment options, and overdose prevention for residents, pharmacies, first responders, and healthcare professionals. Recently, ACHD received an Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) grant from CDC that has allowed us to increase staffing to not only conduct surveillance for overdoses but to increase outreach by our staff and our community partners.

For more information on how the Health Department is helping address this epidemic, be sure to take a look at a schedule of informative opioid-related events, which can be seen at HarmReductionAllegheny.org. Also refer to the Harm Reduction Allegheny website for a list of program times and locations of existing Syringe Services Programs.

Together, we can confront and overcome this public health crisis. Need help now? View our Steps of Recovery brochure(PDF, 689KB). Are you looking for substance use resources or linkage to treatment? Contact our Case Manager(PDF, 1MB). Please view these tips to prevent overdose and infections(PDF, 106KB) when using substances.

If you’re looking to safely dispose of unwanted prescription medication, find Drug Take-Back locations in your area. You can also contact Project DUMP through the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office. They will pick up your prescription drugs at your home or in your community. View the Project DUMP flyer(PDF, 568KB) to learn more.