Due to the unprecedented social distancing recommendations and resulting stress from the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) is taking the necessary steps to ensure that Lake County residents have access to life-saving naloxone. With the temporary suspension of regularly scheduled in-person clinics, LCGHD is directing all naloxone requests to the agency’s online Project DAWN naloxone distribution program.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak of COVID-19 can be stressful for many individuals, as fear and anxiety can become overwhelming, and may lead to increased alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. As a result, LCGHD is promoting the Project DAWN naloxone distribution program as a resource to avoid increases in overdose deaths among Lake County residents during this stressful time.
LCGHD Health Commissioner Ron Graham stated that “While in-person Project DAWN naloxone clinics have been temporarily suspended in order to minimize the potential for COVID-19 transmission among clinic participants, Lake County General Health District is offering access to life-saving naloxone via our agency website”. The program is available to Lake County residents, as well as residents of Ohio counties who do not have a Project DAWN program. “This option ensures the timely availability of naloxone to those in need, while also maintaining the current social distancing recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ohio Department of Health”.
To access the LCGHD online naloxone distribution program:
- Visit https://www.lcghd.org/naloxone-distribution/.
- Click the Request a Kit link to complete a survey and training video.
For additional information regarding the LCGHD online Project DAWN naloxone distribution program, please contact Haley Russo at hrusso@lcghd.org.
