Get a free opioid overdose kit

Centerstone, a nonprofit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments, will distribute free Narcan kits from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, July 15 in the parking lot of Centerstone's Medication Assisted Treatment Clinic, 202 S. Bentley, Marion, Illinois.

The handout, done in collaboration with the Egyptian Health Department, will be free and open to the public.

"Help us stop opioid overdose deaths," said Stacy Seitz, Centerstone clinical service director. "Come see us July 15 and claim your free Narcan kit."

More than 2,000 people die from an opioid overdose every year in Illinois.

NARCAN is an FDA-approved medication that can help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in just minutes.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, pick up a free Narcan rescue kit and receive training on how to administer it.

Also available will be information on recognizing an overdose, understanding the risks of relapse after a period of abstinence, and developing a relapse prevention plan.

People unable to attend the distribution event, an pick up a free kit each weekday at centerstone's MAT clinics at 2615 Edwards Street in Alton, Illinois and 202 S. Bentley in Marion.

"Anyone who is at risk of having or witnessing an opioid overdose, or who spends time with people who use opioids should consider carrying Narcan on them," said Samuel Stearns, Centerstone community development representative. "You never know when you will need to save a life."

For details, contact Samuel Stearns at samuel.stearns@centerstone.org.

Centerstone is a nonprofit health system providing mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Services are available nationally through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, the use of telehealth and an inpatient hospital.

Centerstone also features specialized programs for the military community, therapeutic foster care, children's services and employee assistance programs.