In a historic step on March 29, the Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan for over-the-counter sale. Here's how this harm reduction measure might impact people here in Columbia.

In March, the FDA approved Narcan – an opioid overdose reversal drug also known as naloxone – for over- the counter use. But some in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, are worried this won’t address all the barriers to access to this potentially life-saving drug, so they have come up with a creative solution.

Powerhouse Community Development Corporation is an organization throughout Mid-Missouri that works to provide wraparound services for the communities they serve: Marshall, Sedalia, Versailles, Columbia, and as of last month – Moberly.But you may not know is the extent of Powerhouse’s programming. Through partnerships with the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Social Services, the court system, and other community organizations – Powerhouse offers a wide range of services.

Powerhouse Community Development Corporation opened the Family Regeneration Center in Columbia last October. It's focusing on the specific needs of women who have experienced trauma of any kind – things like substance use and recovery, domestic violence, childhood abuse, etc.

For a KBIA special series on substance use and opioid overdose death prevention, Columbia Police Department's Sgt. Dallas Dollens spoke with KBIA’s Kassidy Arena on December 9th about the opioid crisis in our community, and about what our community is doing to address it.

KBIA partnered with Columbia/Boone County Public Health & Human Services and the Boone County Overdose Response Coalition to host an event in October at Douglass High School where the community could learn about Narcan®.Here are some community resources that are available for people or families dealing with substance use disorder.

KBIA partnered with the Boone County Health Department and the Boone County Overdose Response Coalition, to host an event in October at Douglass High School where the community could learn about Narcan.Narcan, the brand name for naloxone, is a lifesaving drug that can reverse an opioid overdose.

KBIA partnered with Columbia/Boone County Public Health & Human Services and the Boone County Overdose Response Coalition to host an event in October at Douglass High School where the community could learn about Narcan®.Here are some of the questions participants asked, as well as other common questions people may have about Narcan®, substance use disorder and recovery.

Heather Harlan is an educator from Columbia/Boone County Public Health & Human Services. She spoke about substance use disorders, as well as how medication-assisted treatment is a real option to consider for those affected.

Substance use disorder comes from the continuous use of drugs or alcohol. It can be difficult for those affected to get the help they need. Heather Harlan works for the Boone County Public Health and Human Services educating people on substance use disorder. Her job includes teaching people about the resources available to them in the community.