The 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment showed that drug use and the rate of overdose deaths in our community is significant. In fact, people in Greene, Christian, and Webster counties are 25% more likely to die of a drug overdose than people in the rest of the United States.
While our community is fortunate to have many resources and treatment options to reduce drug dependency, these numbers highlight the need for more solutions focused on saving lives when an overdose occurs.
This is why the Health Department launched Revive. Revive is a mobile- and web-based app that connects people who use substances, their loved ones, and people in the community who might encounter someone experiencing an overdose with resources and lifesaving guidance. The goal is to prevent an overdose from becoming an overdose death.
When someone downloads Revive or uses the web version, they can access interactive maps that will guide them to where they can access Naloxone, a medicine that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. Other maps will show users where they can access substance use treatment resources and where they can safely dispose of drugs. Additionally, the app includes guidance on recognizing the signs and symptoms of an overdose and an overview of Missouri’s Good Samaritan laws which are in place to protect someone who calls 9-1-1 from being charged with drug possession and minor violations.
Then, if the user encounters someone experiencing an overdose, Revive asks them a few questions to provide personalized, step-by-step instructions on what to do to keep them alive until emergency medical assistance arrives.
Substance use impacts people and families from every part of our community. Long term solutions to reduce the stigma that prevents people from seeking help and connect people with effective treatment programs are needed. In the meantime, we must work to reduce the harm that drugs inflict on our community and keep those with substance use disorders alive.
Anyone in our community can use Revive. The mobile app is available for free on both Apple and Android devices. To download Revive or access the web version, go to ReviveSGF.org today.