(Washington, DC) – Today, the Bowser Administration, led by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), is recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day with events across the District of Columbia to raise awareness of overdose prevention tools and treatment and recovery services for residents facing opioid addiction.

“Overdose deaths are preventable and we encourage all residents to get free tools that can save lives,” said Barbara J. Bazron, PhD, Director of DBH.. “Along with these lifesaving tools, treatment for opioid addiction in available in all hospital emergency departments, community health clinics, and providers across DC. 

Overdose deaths in the District of Columbia dropped by 33 percent reduction in 2024 and the downward trend is continuing this year. The decrease is due to a combination of evidence-based strategies in prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services implemented by the District over the past six years since the release of LiveLongDC, a comprehensive plan to reduce opioid use, misuse and related deaths.

Fire and Emergency Medical Services now administer medication for treatment on the spot for an overdose survivor who is ready for treatment. The Stabilization Center provides 24-hour support for residents in an emergency substance use disorder crisis.  

Naloxone, a medication that can reverse an overdose, is free and widely available in 30 pharmacies and 135 community based sites in all eight wards. Community and government partners have distributed 447,000 free naloxone kits and report that 21,000 suspected overdoses have been reversed. 

Free fentanyl test strips which can detect the presence of this deadly synthetic in other drugs also are available.  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reports the presence of fentanyl in almost 100 percent of overdose deaths this year. Anyone can text “LiveLongDC” to 888-811 for pick-up locations for naloxone or fentanyl test strips.  Naloxone will be mailed or delivered at no charge.  

 “We are encouraged that our strategies are working. We continue to promote that addiction is a disease that can be treated and a thousands of residents are living in recovery from addiction, said Bazron. “On this day, we remember without stigma or blame those who have died from this disease.”

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder that leads to compulsive drug seeking despite the harmful consequences because the brain.  Addiction like other diseases such as heart disease disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of an organ in the body, both have serious harmful effects, and both are, in many cases, preventable and treatable. If left untreated, they can last a lifetime and may lead to death.

The following comprehensive treatment services and supports are available to sustain treatment and long-term recovery: 

• 24/7 free substance use disorder treatment and counseling ; 
• Medication for opioid use disorder to help manage cravings and treat addiction in community health clinics, and community hospitals; 
• Free transportation to and from counseling and treatment appointments;  
• Recovery housing and other life skills services;
• Peer counselors who have been there and provide support to stay in treatment and recovery, and 
• Coordination with physical health care for comprehensive care.

To access treatment, residents can text Ready to 888-811 or walk into one of the treatment locations here.

DBH offers a full range of mental health and addiction  services. To learn more, call the 24-hour Access Helpline at 1-888-793-4357 (7WE-HELP).   Read the full LIVE.LONG.DC. plan here.