Overdose Prevention
2,019,824 opioid prescriptions were dispensed in 2020. Utah has the 4th highest drug overdose rate in the U.S.
80% of heroin users started with prescription opioids.
Opioids are highly addictive narcotics commonly prescribed to treat pain. Opioids affect the brain and body. In addition to constipation, nausea, and dizziness, other adverse health concerns include; slowed breathing (sign of an overdose), can lead to coma, permanent brain damage, or death.
Common opioids include Oxycodone, Oxycodone/Acetaminophen (Percocet), Codeine, Hydrocodone(Lortab), fentanyl, Morphine, among others.
Signs of an Overdose
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Know what the signs of an opioid overdose are:
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Small, pinpoint pupils
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Blue/purple fingernail and lips
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Won’t wake up, limp body
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Shallow or stopped breathing
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Faint heartbeat
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Gurgling or choking noise
Ways to prevent an opioid overdose
- Talk to your doctor about alternatives to prescription opioids.
- Never share your prescription opioids with anyone.
- Store prescription opioids out of reach, with the label attached, and with the child-resistant cap secured.
- Dispose of all unused and expired prescription opioids properly. Take your unused prescription opioids to a permanent collection site or drop-off event. For more information visit www.useonlyasdirected.org.
- Know what the common opioids are and know the risks – dependency, addiction, or overdose. For more information visit www.opidemic.org.
- Have adequate availability of naloxone (Narcan). Carry it with you and know how to properly administer it. For more information visit naloxone.utah.gov.
- Harm reduction activities such as syringe exchange
- Be connected to school and school activities.
- Limit access to opioids.
- Encourage prescribers to use the prescription database.
If you or someone you know may have overdosed on opioids,
call 9-1-1 immediately!
Local Information
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Naloxone Training
Get Naloxone, save a life. Naloxone reverses and stops an opioid overdose. It saves lives and is legal to have. Naloxone is now available free of charge (limited supply) during our training at TriCounty Health Department. This training will give you the skills you need to help save someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose. Classes can be scheduled by contacting us .
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Schedule a Presentation
Request our team of health educators to come present a personalized and engaging conversation with your team or youth group about opioids use and misuse as well as other harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol
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Drop Off Locations
Drop off your leftover or unused medications at these locations: Ashley Regional Medical Center, Uintah Basin Medical Center, Uintah County Sheriff’s office, Vernal City, Uintah County Jail
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Harm Reduction Services
We offer syringe exchange, harm reduction kits, hygiene kits. Call or come into our office to sign up for our syringe exchange program.
serving for health
Vernal (435) 247-1177
133 South 500 East, Vernal, UT, 84078
Environmental Health Hours:
Monday – Thursday 7:30-5:30
Fri 8-5
Environmental Health office is closed noon-1 pm
WIC HOURS:
MON-7:30-4
TUES-THURS 7:30-5:30
Fri 8-5
Roosevelt office closed noon-1pm