Tulsa Health Department Shares Resources To Help Prevent Drug Overdoses

The Tulsa Health Department is taking advantage of new resources from the CDC to help prevent drug overdoses.

The CDC created the Overdose Resource Exchange to help public health groups share tools like information flyers, billboards, and podcasts.

The goal is to raise awareness about rising overdose death rates from opioids and stimulants.

The Tulsa Health Department said more than 200 people in the area died from methamphetamines and fentanyl in 2021 alone.

Experts said a lot of overdoses happen because people get their hands on prescription drugs that aren't theirs.

They said there are a few simple things people can do to keep their loved ones safe.

"Keeping your prescription medications secure and locked up, super important. Because polysubstance use comes into play when you have your prescription medications open and available for other people to get their hands on. Also disposing of unwanted expired medications, super important," said Donetta Jamieson, Grant Coordinator, Opioid and Stimulant Prevention Specialist at Tulsa Health Department.

Tulsa Health Department hosts drug takeback events twice a year on the last Saturday of April and October.