NEWPORT, PA — On Thursday, September 25, Pennsylvania officials joined communities nationwide to mark the first time all 50 states participated in “Save a Life Day,” an annual campaign to expand access to naloxone and raise awareness of its role in reversing opioid overdoses.
At the Perry County State Health Center, Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones distributed free doses of naloxone alongside the Cumberland-Perry Drug and Alcohol Commission. Naloxone, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, rapidly restores breathing for individuals experiencing an opioid overdose.
“The Department of Health wants to prevent as many overdose deaths as possible, and having free naloxone available for all Pennsylvanians at our 59 State Health Centers helps meet that goal,” Bogen said.
Davis-Jones emphasized the state’s broader strategy, adding, “The Shapiro Administration is taking a whole-of-government, collaborative approach to overdose prevention and making naloxone more readily available. Through DDAP’s Overdose Prevention Program and efforts like Save a Life Day, I’m confident we’re going to reverse even more overdoses and save more lives”.
While six county health centers were designated as official distribution points for this year’s event, free naloxone and other services remain available year-round at all 59 state health centers across Pennsylvania. The facilities also provide testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis services, immunizations for the uninsured, condoms, gun locks, and referrals to local health and social services.
Launched in 2020, “Save a Life Day” has grown into a national event, with this year marking the first full participation across the United States.
For more information on naloxone and overdose prevention resources, Pennsylvanians can visit the Department of Health and DDAP websites.
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