Peace Garden News

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is joining communities across the state and worldwide in marking International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. The observance is dedicated to honoring those lost to overdose, supporting their loved ones, and recognizing efforts to prevent substance use harms.

Officials stress that anyone can experience an overdose and that immediate action can be lifesaving. Signs of opioid overdose include unresponsiveness, slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingertips, gurgling or choking sounds, or a limp body. In such cases, people are urged to call 911 right away and administer naloxone if available. North Dakota’s Good Samaritan Law offers legal protection for those who seek help or provide assistance during an overdose emergency.

Naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, is widely accessible in North Dakota. It can be obtained at most pharmacies and local public health units without a prescription and over the counter. HHS also provides free two-dose naloxone kits upon request through its website or by phone.

From July 2024 through June 2025, more than 33,000 naloxone kits were distributed statewide with over 870 reported overdose reversals during this period.

“Every reversal represents a person, a future, a chance to recover,” said Amy Lies, HHS opioid addiction administrator. “We’re proud to walk with North Dakotans through prevention, crisis response and long-term healing.”

Between 2021 and 2024, North Dakota recorded 497 overdose deaths—including 106 in 2024 alone. However, there has been progress: coordinated prevention strategies along with increased public awareness and access to naloxone have contributed to reducing overdose fatalities by just over 22 percent between 2022 and 2024.

The state continues expanding its care network with eight regional behavioral health clinics and four licensed opioid treatment programs in addition to private providers. Recovery Talk offers free confidential peer support around the clock via phone or text for individuals in crisis or seeking guidance.

In July of this year, $8 million from Opioid Settlement Fund grants was allocated among North Dakota agencies for strengthening prevention efforts as well as treatment services and workforce development in behavioral health fields. Since last year nearly 3,500 residents have benefited from expanded programs supported by these funds.

For more information about naloxone access visit https://www.hhs.nd.gov/opioids; details about settlement-funded initiatives are available at https://www.hhs.nd.gov/opioids/settlement; behavioral health services can be found at https://www.hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/find-services.