Recovery Center Works to Save Lives and Break Stigma on Overdose Awareness Day

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Every overdose is more than a statistic. It’s a life, a family, and a community forever changed. As overdose rates continue to rise across the U.S., Manning Regional Healthcare Center’s Recovery Center is marking Overdose Awareness Day with an urgent reminder: education, prevention, and timely intervention save lives. By equipping community members with tools like Narcan training, proper medication disposal, and local recovery resources, the Recovery Center is working to reduce stigma, empower individuals, and create a safer, healthier future for all.

Overdoses can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, which is why awareness and preparedness are critical. Recognizing the symptoms of an overdose can make the difference between life and death. Common signs may include:

  • Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
  • Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Pale, blue, or cold skin
  • Slow heartbeat or low blood pressure

If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. While waiting for emergency responders, administer Narcan (naloxone) if it is available. Narcan is a safe and effective medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

The Recovery Center at MRHC offers free Narcan training and kits to community members. Staff members are available to travel locally and provide training to equip individuals with the knowledge and confidence to act quickly during an overdose emergency.

“Narcan education empowers communities by reducing stigma, increasing awareness of overdose symptoms, and promoting timely intervention,” says Recovery Center Director, Taya Vonnahme, MSN, RN, ARNP, CADC. “It supports a harm reduction approach that prioritizes the preservation of life and opens the door for individuals to seek long-term treatment and recovery. Training in Narcan use should be widely accessible, culturally competent, and integrated into broader efforts to combat substance use disorder.” 

Overdose Prevention

Preventing overdoses also includes limiting access to unnecessary or expired medications. Community members can properly dispose of medications at local drop boxes at the MRHC Emergency Room entrance and the Manning Pharmacy. Proper disposal keeps medications out of the wrong hands and helps reduce risks of misuse.

On Overdose Awareness Day and every day, the Recovery Center is here to support individuals and families impacted by addiction. A variety of service levels are available depending on individual situations, including residential or outpatient treatment, detoxification, and evaluations. If you or a loved one is struggling, please call the Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300 to learn more about treatment options and resources available.

Recovery Center Works to Prevent Overdose Deaths

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Drug overdose is one of the leading causes of death for people ages 18-45. Nearly 110,000 people have died due to drug overdose in the last year, making August 31st, Overdose Awareness Day, more important than ever.taya vonnahme

“Overdose is something everyone should be aware of,” shared Recovery Center Director, Taya Vonnahme, MSN, RN, ARNP, CADC. “Not only is overdose a concern in the addiction world but also in general practice. We see overdoses all the time for various reasons – alcohol, opiates, and drug related. Some are unintentional from prescription pain medications that were accidentally taken incorrectly.”

The Recovery Center is dedicated to raising awareness of drug overdose and helping prevent future deaths caused by an overdose.

“Everyone should educate themselves on the signs of a possible overdose and know what to do if it is suspected,” Vonnahme recommended.

Typical signs of an overdose can include one or several of the following:

  • Unconsciousness
  • Seizure
  • Severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Extremely paranoid, agitated, and/or confused
  • Snoring or gurgling

Seek emergency help by calling 911 if someone is exhibiting these symptoms. Prior to emergency personnel arriving, follow these steps:

  • Administer *Naloxone if available
  • Support breathing by ensuring their airway is clear and giving breaths
  • Monitor their response
  • Do not forcefully try to awake them
  • Don’t try to make them vomit

When help arrives, it is vital to provide as much information as possible about the overdose. Details such as what type of drug and how much was taken and how long ago it was taken can help save a life.

“One of the best things I have seen that can assist someone who has overdosed is Naloxone,” Vonnahme said. “It saves lives every day and anyone can learn how to use it. It is also available to anyone who may need it no matter the reason. If you know someone who uses any type of opiate, prescription, or recreational drug they should know about this and learn how to use it.”

*Naloxone is a non-addictive, life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Given as a nasal spray, auto-injector, or injectable, naloxone can be purchased from most pharmacies without a prescription. If you or someone you know is at increased risk for opioid overdose, you should carry naloxone and keep it at home. People who are taking high-dose opioid medications (>50 morphine milligram equivalents per day) prescribed by a doctor and people who use opioids and benzodiazepines together should also carry naloxone, according to the CDC.

Recovery Center Services

If you or someone you care about has problems with substance abuse, help is available. The sooner a person can get help, the better the long-term chance for recovery. If you feel that you need help or guidance, contact the Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300.

The Recovery Center is a 16-bed, co-ed chemical dependency facility located in Manning. Services include detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient treatment and consultations or evaluations. Recovery Center staff have adapted treatments to meet addiction issues, from alcoholism to meth to the abuse of prescription painkillers. For four decades, staff have helped clients take their first step toward healthy, drug and alcohol-free lifestyles. For more information, visit www.manningrecoverycenter.com.