Since 2017, the Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) has received federal grants to focus on the opioid crisis in the Nebraska. The grant money has been used to support opioid addiction prevention, treatment and recovery through different programs.
Although Nebraska has not had as many overdose deaths from opioids as compared to other states, Nebraska is still working to decrease opioid addiction through these prevention efforts:
- Drug take-back events
- Medication lockboxes
- Education on Centers for Disease Control (CDC) prescribing guidelines
- Nebraska Pain Management Document
- Dose of Reality media campaigns
- Increased access to naloxone
Naloxone (Narcan) is a lifesaving drug that works to reverse an opioid overdose. DBH is working to increase access to naloxone. Naloxone is a spray given through the nose. DBH partners with the Division of Public Health to get naloxone to those at risk for an overdose or those who may be in contact with someone who is at risk.
DBH is partnering with the Nebraska Pharmacists Association to distribute naloxone at no cost to consumers through participating pharmacies across the state. Eligible consumers must be a resident of Nebraska and complete a short form provided by the pharmacist to receive the naloxone kit.
The DBH team is working to increase access to treatment for those with an opioid addiction. This includes training health workers on addiction as well as treatment options for those with substance use disorders. The Division is working to increase the number of treatment providers in Nebraska.
Project ECHO is a program that includes a team of addiction and pain management experts.
These experts deliver education and case review for providers across the state, expanding access to treatment to rural areas of the state.
The Division of Behavioral Health is working to increase peer support education and training for those working with people with addiction in treatment and recovery.
DBH also supports medication assisted treatment. Local medication providers include health care providers of buprenorphine. The Department of Health and Human Services continues to work to reduce drug overdose deaths.
The grant also provides resources for training addiction professionals.
Be Prepared, Get NARCAN
Are you or a love done at risk of an opioid overdose? Narcan® (naloxone) nasal spray can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Anyone who is a Nebraska resident can obtain Narcan® for free at a participating pharmacy without a prescription. To find a participating pharmacy near you, visit stopodne.com.
What to do in case of an opioid overdose:
- Administer Narcan® if available
- Call 911 immediately
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing
- Lay the person on their side to prevent choking
- Stay with the person until emergency help arrives
Get NARCAN® Nasal Spray so you can help reverse an opioid overdose.
For more information, contact the DBH Prevention Team.