Duval County health officials held their first-ever “Revive Awareness Day” to educate local residents about opioid overdose prevention.

Jacksonville, Florida – The Duval County, Florida, Health Department held its first-ever “Revive Awareness Day” event Thursday, designed to educate people about the dangers of opioid overdose, how to use naloxone safely and share resources available to help those with substance use disorder.

Recent reports show Florida leads the nation in fentanyl seizures, which is why the Florida Department of Health in Duval County is stepping up prevention efforts.

“This is a significant issue. Opioid overdoses are a huge issue in our community. The numbers are very high in our county,” said Tony Nichols, Duval County Health Officer with the Florida Department of Health. “The importance of this day and getting this information out there and spreading these potentially life-saving features in our community is huge for us.”

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At the event, health officials educated the public on the use of naloxone, also known as Narcan, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

“We want the community to get involved. If the community wants to get involved, carry Narcan, because Narcan can potentially save a life,” Nichols said. “The health department wants to be that pillar. We want to be the agency that’s leading the frontline on these types of issues and some of the disparities that are plaguing our community.”

Nichols acknowledged that some people may have misconceptions about Narcan, which is why events like Revive Awareness Day are especially important.

“We’re educating individuals to ease their fears and provide reassurance that carrying Narcan is safe, effective, how to use it and when it can potentially save a life,” Nichols said.

According to the Florida Department of Health, signs of an overdose include:

• Small, shrunken “pinpoint pupils”

• Falling asleep or losing consciousness

• Slow, weak, or no breathing

• Choking or gurgling sounds

• Cold or damp skin

• Discoloration of the skin, especially the lips and nails

• A limp body

Learn more | ‘It’s not worth it’: Man who lost two friends in one week to suspected fentanyl overdoses offers message of advice and hope

If you suspect someone has overdosed, call 911 immediately.

Floridians can find naloxone for their community through ISaveFL.com or by calling the Florida Department of Health in Duval County at 904-253-2708.