North Dakota Marks International Overdose Awareness Day
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) joined communities across the state and the world on August 31 to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, a time dedicated to remembering lives lost, supporting families, and highlighting ongoing efforts to prevent substance use harms.
Officials say the day is a reminder that overdoses can happen to anyone, and knowing how to respond can save lives. Signs of an opioid overdose may include slow or stopped breathing, unresponsiveness, blue lips or fingertips, choking or gurgling sounds, or a limp body. Health leaders urge residents to call 911 immediately and use naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, if available. North Dakota’s Good Samaritan Law protects individuals who seek help during an overdose emergency.
Naloxone remains central to the state’s strategy. The medication, which reverses opioid overdoses, is available over the counter, at most pharmacies, through local public health units, or for free from HHS. From July 2024 to June 2025, more than 33,000 kits were distributed statewide, with over 870 overdose reversals reported. “Every reversal represents a person, a future, a chance to recover,” said Amy Lies, HHS opioid addiction administrator. “We’re proud to walk with North Dakotans through prevention, crisis response and long-term healing.”
Despite losing 497 North Dakotans to overdoses since 2021, state officials note encouraging progress. Overdose deaths declined by just over 22 percent between 2022 and 2024, a trend they attribute to stronger prevention programs, increased naloxone access, and expanded treatment options.
Today, North Dakota offers eight regional behavioral health clinics, four licensed opioid treatment programs, and partnerships with private providers. Recovery Talk, a 24/7 confidential hotline, also connects individuals with peer support at (701) 291-7901.
The state is also investing in long-term healing. In July, $8 million in Opioid Settlement Fund grants were distributed to enhance prevention, recovery, and workforce training. Nearly 3,500 people have already benefited from these programs since last year.
HHS continues to collaborate with local public health units and the NDSU School of Pharmacy’s ONE Program, supported by about $4 million annually in federal funding. Leaders say these partnerships are helping North Dakota communities fight opioid misuse and build stronger recovery networks.
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