On Aug. 31, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) joins communities across the state and around the world in recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day — a time to honor those lost to overdose, support loved ones, and celebrate the strength of individuals, families, and communities working together to prevent substance use harms and save lives.
You can help save a life
An overdose can happen to anyone and quick action can make the difference. If you see signs of an opioid overdose — including unresponsiveness, slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingertips, gurgling or choking sounds or a limp body — call 911 immediately and administer naloxone (Narcan) if available. North Dakota’s Good Samaritan Law protects those who call for help or provide assistance during an overdose emergency.
Naloxone access saves lives
Naloxone is a safe, effective medication that reverses opioid overdoses. It is available:
- At most pharmacies and local public health units
- Over the counter without a prescription
- For free from HHS by requesting a two-dose kit at hhs.nd.gov/opioids or by calling (701) 328-8920, 711 (TTY)
From July 2024 through June 2025, North Dakota distributed more than 33,000 naloxone kits, with over 870 overdose reversals reported.
“Every reversal represents a person, a future, a chance to recover,” said Amy Lies, HHS opioid addiction administrator. “We’re proud to walk with North Dakotans through prevention, crisis response and long-term healing.”
Know the data
Over a four-year span beginning in 2021, North Dakota lost 497 people to overdose, including 106 in 2024. While each loss is deeply felt, coordinated prevention efforts, greater public awareness and increased access to life-saving tools like naloxone are helping families and communities respond. Overdose deaths dropped by just over 22 percent between 2022 and 2024.
Treatment and support
North Dakota continues to expand a strong network of care, meeting people where they are with person-centered services. These include:
- Eight regional behavioral health clinics
- Four licensed opioid treatment programs
- Private and community-based providers
- Recovery Talk, which is also available 24/7, offers free, confidential support from peers with lived experience. Whether individuals are in crisis or seeking guidance, someone is always ready to listen. Call or text (701) 291-7901 or visit hhs.nd.gov/recovery-talk.
- Explore care options. Visit hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/find-services.
Investing in healing
On July 1, North Dakota agencies received $8 million in Opioid Settlement Fund grants to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery supports and the behavioral health workforce. Since 2024, nearly 3,500 people statewide have benefited from expanded programs and services through this funding. Learn more at hhs.nd.gov/opioids/settlement.
HHS maintains a long-standing partnership with local public health units and the NDSU School of Pharmacy’s Opioid and Naloxone Education (ONE) Program, supported by approximately $4 million annually in federal State Opioid Response grant funding from October 2024 through September 2027. This collaboration strengthens statewide efforts to combat opioid misuse, expands prevention initiatives, increases naloxone availability at no cost and improves access to treatment and recovery services.