Purple and black balloons created a solemn memorial for victims of opioid overdose deaths as part of this afternoon’s National Black Balloon Day event in Gettysburg’s Lincoln Square.
Naloxone kits and spray applications were distributed to help prevent some of those deaths. Naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and has been shown to save lives.
Headed by Matthew Moon, the Overdose Awareness Task Force, in association with the Center for Youth and Community Services, provides education and information to raise awareness of the local problem. The priorities of the task force are to increase access and utilization of naloxone to save lives, ensure a continuum of care for county residents, reduce the supply of opioids in the county, and provide education regarding the signs of substance abuse, opioid use, treatment options, and recovery programs.
Photos by Jim Bargas
