The Response - 25

are encouraged to summon emergency medical services
by calling 911 in the event they witness an overdose.
The law is meant to quell the fear of arrest in calling
authorities for an overdose event by offering
certain criminal and civil protections for those
that do.
To expand the availability of naloxone,
Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania Physician
General, has issued a standing order to allow
Pennsylvanians access to naloxone. This order
is designed to ensure that Pennsylvania residents
who are at risk of experiencing an opioid-related
overdose, or who are family members, friends or
other individuals who are in a position to assist a
person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose,
are able to obtain naloxone through a local pharmacy.
	 In July 2015, the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA), in
its efforts to ensure the community has easy access to this lifesaving drug, established a naloxone distribution program for Berks
County residents. This program is designed for friends and family
members of individuals who may be at risk for an opioid overdose.
Since its inception, COCA has distributed over 800 doses of
naloxone to community members, schools, treatment agencies,
and first responders. More recently COCA has been designated
as the Centralized Coordinating Entity in Berks County for
distribution of naloxone to first responders. COCA, as a member
agency of the Berks Opioid Coalition, is committed to ensure that
all Berks County residents can access naloxone.
	 In coordination with the Berks Opioid Coalition, COCA
provides outreach and education programs to promote community
understanding of the importance of naloxone as an overdose
prevention strategy. For more information on COCA's naloxone
program or to request an educational program, visit:
www.cocaberks.org and click on Get Naloxone.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

How to avoid an opioid
overdose:
 ake medication only if it has been prescribed to you
T
by your doctor. Make sure to tell your doctor about all
medications you are taking.
D
 o not take more medication or take it more often than
instructed. Call your doctor if your pain gets worse.
N
 ever mix pain medications with alcohol, sleeping pills,
or any illicit substance.
L
 earn the signs of overdose and how to use naloxone to
keep an overdose from becoming fatal.
Teach your family member how to respond to an overdose.
Dispose of unused medication properly.

Learn more at www.cocaberks.org.
Citation: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admininstration, SAMHSA
Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 18-4742. Rockville,
MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2018.

Helping Women
in Berks County

who have a history of substance use,
make healthy choices for
themselves and their children.

Maternal reCovery
serviCes (M.r.s.)
Repair, Rediscover, Reclaim

Funded by the Council on Chemical Abuse &
Community Care Behavioral Health
* Empower, educate, and help seek treatment
* Reduce the risk of child abuse & neglect
* Advocate for the clients and their children
* Reduce the number of infants born exposed
* Provide hope
* Remove barriers to success
Case ManageMent serviCes
serviCe Planning
outreaCh serviCes
eduCational & life skills grouPs

The Children's Home of Reading

1010 Centre Avenue * Reading, PA 19601
www.choreading.org
If you or someone you know is in need of services,
please call M.R.S. for help at (610) 478-9830.
Services are confidential.
cocaberks.org

25


http://www.cocaberks.org http://www.choreading.org http://www.cocaberks.org http://www.cocaberks.org

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