SE Kansas City News

Independence residents will have access to free opioid overdose reversal medication and training at a series of upcoming events organized by the Independence Health Services Division. The initiative is part of the city’s efforts for International Overdose Awareness Day, aiming to inform the public about opioids, reduce stigma around overdoses, and provide practical resources.

The first event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, with two sessions at the Mid-Continent Public Library - Farview Branch and Walmart Neighborhood Market. Additional events are planned through August 22 at various community locations. Each session will offer information on opioid awareness, hands-on Narcan (Naloxone) training, and distribution of free kits. Staff will also be present to answer questions and connect attendees with further resources.

Over the past three years, nearly 1,000 Naloxone kits have been distributed by the Health Services Division using funds from state opioid response projects. The division maintains several harm reduction initiatives such as ongoing Narcan distribution and training programs, a vending machine for Narcan installed earlier this year at Community Services League, and Youth Mental Health First Aid classes for adults.

Data from the Missouri Drug Overdose Dashboard shows that opioid-involved deaths in Missouri increased each year from 2019 through 2022 but declined in 2023—the first decrease in four years (https://health.mo.gov/data/opioids/). Jackson County and Independence followed similar trends: both areas saw a rise in overdose deaths through 2022 before seeing a slight decline or stabilization in 2023.

The Independence Fire Department has equipped all fire trucks and emergency vehicles with Narcan for three years. In 2024 so far, the department responded to 62 overdose calls—down from 99 calls reported in 2023.

These activities reflect an ongoing commitment by city officials to address opioid misuse through education, prevention strategies, and harm reduction services.