The Narrative

In issues that continue to escalate in complexity, gravity, and severity, it is vital in the fight against suicide, substance use, and mental health issues to not only know what resourses are within the community but to put emphasis on positive efforts toward addressing such issues.

The opioid crisis that has touched this country at large and more so in communities such as Grand Junction CO with an already existing level of increased substance abuse and suicide, has seen devastating impacts on families, communities, friends, and loved ones. What was already a persisting risk has only been exacerbated by the introduction of extremely high potency opioids such as Fentanyl. Not only are miniscule amounts of such drugs fatal, but these drugs are often laced into other street bought drugs. This makes the issue of overdose not only a higher risk, but often a hidden one as well.

Located on the World Health Organizations list of Essential Health Medicines, naloxone is an opioid antagonist, used to lessen or even reverse the side effects of opioid medication. Attaching to opioid receptor cites in the brain, the commercial grade version of naloxone, Narcan, reverses the life threatening side effects of a possible opioid overdose which include but are not limited to: unresponsiveness, slowed breathing, slowed heart rate, and more.

This accessible and fast acting intervention is a vital aspect of how communities, first responders, and health professionals can save lives from opioid overdose, reducing and or reverting the side effects, getting one to homeostasis so further treatment can be administered.

 Naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose from these opioids:

• Heroin

• Morphine

• Oxycodone (OxyContin)

• Methadone

• Fentanyl

• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)

• Codeine

• Hydromorphone

Narcan Kiosks Throughout Mesa County

Understanding the existence of this life saving intervention is only half the battle however, accessibility is the other.

Mesa County Public Health within Grand Junction CO has taken this secondary step in stride with the plethora of Narcan kiosks which are currently stocked with free and available Narcan for residence, utilizing this life saving intervention to keep Grand Junction safe in the light of the nation wide opioid crisis. This initiative has allowed for Narcan to become a practical implementation within the community, fostering safe and preventative measures. The locations for these kiosks can be seen on the map below:

These kiosks aim to provide community members with the means to keep themselves and those around them safe, bolstering county wide preventative measures against all opioid related emergencies. As stated above, it is more vital than ever to recognize the positive efforts and resources within the community aimed at addressing these ever increasing issues which are immeasurably devastating. Recognizing the light that others shine through the resources they offer and the help they provide not only exemplifies their tireless efforts, but so too does it allow you to become a resource, a beacon, a light; keeping others safe and perhaps saving a life.

Local Initiatives and Involvements

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention 2025 EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN MESA COUNTY Register Here!

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST): September 18-19, November 6-7 This two-day workshop(16 hours) helps participants learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): September 26, October 17, December 5 This eight (8) hour training teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (Youth MHFA): August 29 This Six and half (6.5) hour training for adults who regularly interact with people ages 12-18. It introduces common mental health challenges, typical adolescent development, and plan for how to help in crisis and non-crisis situations

Soul Shop™: October 2 This 90-minute workshop equips faith community leaders and other people of faith to train their congregations to minister to those impacted by suicidal desperation.

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call or text 988. The National Suicide Hotline is staffed around the clock with certified members of the American Association of Suicidology. Or the Crisis Text Line, text CO to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from a secure online platform.