HOUSTON – August 31, 2021 – International Overdose Awareness Day raises global awareness of individuals who lost their lives due to drug overdose. The topic of overdose is one that Cenikor, a provider of treatment services for alcohol and drug addiction, knows all too well.
Bill Bailey, President and CEO of Cenikor noted, “Drug overdose is becoming one of the largest public health crises in the world, and it can happen to anyone. Knowing the signs and how to respond could save a life.” The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last year that over 93,000 people died due to a drug overdose. Texas saw a staggering 31.9% increase in overdose deaths in 2020.
“Our medical technician heard a resident of our Sober Living program frantically shouting for someone who knows CPR,” explains Kimberly Reaves, Facility Director of the Cenikor Houston Facility. “She was able to recognize the signs of overdose in a resident who had used a substance in the restroom. If she hadn’t administered naloxone, the person may not have survived until paramedics arrived.”
International Overdose Awareness Day’s campaign raises a discussion about overdose prevention. Cenikor has been leading the effort to help all communities it serves to overcome drug overdoses with the programs it offers. The programs include prevention services for students, withdrawal management programs, sober living programs, and services for early intervention.
“Cenikor has seen positive changes in lives in the last 55 years. I encourage everyone that if you know someone in your community that is using a substance and needs help, speak up. Remind them that there are people who are on their side,” added Bailey.
Cenikor is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers an array of successful rehabilitation programs, tailored to treat people who want to be free from substance use. Since its inception in 1967, Cenikor has been dedicated to helping those in need. Cenikor continues to evolve to offer supportive services to veterans, adults, and adolescents in several cities across Texas, and neighboring states. More than 150,000 lives have been changed in the process.
For more information about this news release, please contact Michael Jenkins, Legislative Affairs and Media Relations Manager, via email at media@cenikor.org. If you or someone you know is seeking treatment for substance use disorder, call Cenikor today at 1-888-236-4567.
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