ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Families in Tampa Bay united on International Overdose Awareness Day to honor people who lost their lives to a drug overdose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said drug overdose deaths are presenting a public health crisis.
Andrea Gutillo organized the event. She said this event is about releasing the pain.
“One of my best friends passed away three years ago from an overdose and several close friends as mine as well,” Gutillo said.
Gutillo owns Enchanted Treasures Trading Co. Her shop is decorated with photos of her favorite memories with people she's lost.
Gutillo said gatherings like this one let her see how many others support her and are healing as well.
“I lost my brother 12 years ago, so since then it's been an insane amount of friends following him but of course he's the most impactful one that I’ve lost. So, I feel like it's important to be talked about,” Krista Kaufman said.
People said it’s also important to discuss preventative and life-saving measures like Narcan.
“It's very simple to use. It comes in a box of two because you typically will need a second dose before 911,” Dr. Abbas Sina said.
Dr. Sina with River Oaks Addiction Treatment Center said Narcan can help reverse an opioid overdose, but it doesn't address addiction.
"Narcan has been very helpful in saving lives, but I think the biggest impact that's going to happen is going to be preventing the overdose by seeking treatment," Sina said.
There are free Narcan nasal spray kits at several Pinellas County Health Department locations:
- St. Petersburg – 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg
- Pinellas Park – 6350 76th Ave. N., Pinellas Park
- Mid County – 8751 Ulmerton Rd., Largo
- Clearwater – 310 N. Myrtle Ave., Clearwater
- Tarpon Springs – 301 S. Disston Ave., Tarpon Springs
- (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only)
You have to be 18 years old or older, an individual at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose, a caregiver who may witness an opioid overdose or a witness of an opioid overdose.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said the national helpline number is 1-800-662-4357. It said it’s free, confidential and a 24/7 treatment referral and informative service in English and Spanish.