Drug overdose deaths in the United States have declined sharply in recent years — from a peak of over 111,000 in 2022 to approximately 79,000 in 2024, a 24% drop. Despite this progress, opioids remain the leading driver, involved in roughly 68% of overdose deaths. The crisis is not over.
For local Idaho opioid data and resources, visit our Opioid page.
Drug Overdose Prevention Program
We want to help providers communicate the risks and benefits of opioid therapy for chronic pain, improve the safety and effectiveness of pain treatment, and reduce the risks that come with long-term opioid therapy, including opioid use disorder and overdose.
SCPHD does not prescribe opioid therapy drugs, offer counseling for addiction, or supply treatment for overdose.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids include prescription pain killers (e.g. morphine, codeine, and oxycodone) and illicit opioids (e.g. heroin and fentanyl). Opioids can lead to drowsiness, slowed breathing, overdose, and even death. Illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl increase the odds of these side effects.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medicine that can be used to temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing. The most common form of naloxone is Narcan, a nasal spray. You can purchase Narcan from most local pharmacies.
Learn More About Naloxone — CDCNaloxone Trainings
The health district offers free naloxone training to both individuals and organizations. This training covers a brief explanation of opioids, the risk factors in an opioid overdose, signs of an opioid overdose, using naloxone safely, and the Idaho Good Samaritan Law.
Local Resources
Find resources available to people fighting a drug misuse disorder in south-central Idaho: