International Overdose Awareness Day is Saturday, August 31. The aim is to raise awareness and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or suffered injury as a result of a drug overdose. As well, the day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

The Free Library is supporting efforts led by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the City’s Department of Public Health to curb the tragedy and reverse the effects of opioids. We are hosting Naloxone (Narcan) Giveaway Days at nine respective libraries on Wednesday, September 18 and Wednesday, September 25. Naloxone is a prescription medicine that reverses the effects of opioids. Health Department staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions, give information about responding to drug overdoses, offer training, and distribute naloxone (one kit per person while supplies last). There is no registration required.

Further, the Health Department’s immunization team will provide free Hepatitis A vaccines at the naloxone events. Those interested in receiving a vaccine will be asked to provide a name, date of birth, and an address. If no address is provided, a person can still receive the vaccine, but name and date of birth must be given.

Wednesday, September 18

• Kensington Library | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Frankford Library | 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• Greater Olney Library | 1:00-7:00 p.m.
• South Philadelphia Library | 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• Lovett Memorial Library | 2:00-8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 25

• McPherson Square Library | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Queen Memorial Library | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Library | 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• Haverford Library | 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.

In addition to the locations and dates above, there will be similar events at libraries throughout the calendar year. For more information, visit PhillyNaloxone.com or email overdose.prevention@phila.gov.