Columbia to host a naloxone education and distribution event

June 20, 2026 - 22:44

Columbia will hold a public education and distribution event focused on naloxone, the medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. The session, titled SAVE-A-LIFE, is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, at the Activity and Recreation Center.

The event aims to equip community members with the knowledge and tools to respond to an opioid emergency. Attendees will receive training on how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to properly administer naloxone, which is often sold under the brand name Narcan. Each participant will also receive a free naloxone kit to take home.

Organizers emphasize that the training is open to everyone, regardless of prior medical experience. The goal is to reduce the stigma around carrying the medication and to increase the number of people who can act quickly in a crisis. Opioid overdoses have become a leading cause of preventable death in many parts of the country, and public health officials stress that widespread access to naloxone saves lives.

The event is part of a broader push to make the medication more available in public spaces and to educate the public on its use. No registration is required, and all materials will be provided at no cost.