State Says It's Trying To Prevent Overdoses

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Shirley Sakaye, DOH, 907-269-4996, Shirley.Sakaye@alaska.gov   

Statewide Effort to Prevent Overdose Deaths in Alaska

August 28, 2025, Anchorage, AK — In honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, a coalition of community partners is hosting an event to bring community members and partner organizations together to build thousands of naloxone kits. These kits will be distributed through Project Hope and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium to help prevent opioid overdose deaths and promote healing across Alaska.

The event will take place on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Fairview Community Recreation Center (1121 E 10th Avenue).

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. In a state where the impact of the opioid crisis is deeply felt, each kit assembled could mean the difference between life and death for someone in crisis.

"In 2023 alone, Alaska lost 357 lives to opioid overdoses, the majority of which were fentanyl-related," said Heidi Hedberg, Department of Health Commissioner. "Behind this tragic statistic is a person, a family member, and a community that grieves. This event is one way we can take action together to get this life-saving medication into our first aid kits, backpacks and purses."

“Naloxone saves lives,” said Natasha Singh, ANTHC President/CEO. “It is simple, safe, and effective. Increasing access to this lifesaving resource is critical and benefits all communities in Alaska. It is a hands-on strategy to fight the opioid crisis head-on. Every kit represents hope and a second chance. ANTHC is proud to continue to partner in this important effort.”
How to Get Involved

Organizations interested in participating can sign up here.

Together, we can save lives — one kit at a time.

About International Overdose Awareness Day:
Held annually on August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event that aims to raise awareness of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind.