Otter Tail County departments are concerned about the increase of opioid epidemic. Opioid awareness information is available on the Centers for Disease Control website. Please check out this link:

https://www.cdc.gov/rxawareness. Opioid is available in prescription pain medications and illegal street drugs.

Prevention:

1. Discuss with your health care provider alternative measures for pain control before filling prescriptions.
2. Dispose of unused medication at your local police department or the Sheriff’s Department in Ottertail.

Early Intervention:

1. Observe changes that may be impacting school, work, or home life.
2. Consider whether changes may be related to drug use.
3. Seek out community resources for assistance.

Treatment:

1. Minnesota law allows family and friends to obtain naloxone from local pharmacies if they wish to have it on hand in the event they know of someone who may experience an accidental overdose.
2. Each pharmacy determines if they will have a supply on hand.
3. Assist with obtaining treatment for substance use addiction.