Overdose Awareness Day 2025

Between 2021 and 2023, there were 70 overdose deaths in Lincoln County. 51 of those were linked to opioids. A local group is trying to bring that number to 0. On Thursday, August 28th, Lincoln County Community Opioid Response Efforts (LC-CORE) traveled throughout Lincoln County to bring awareness and resources to the community in recognition of Overdose Awareness Day. According to the Penington Institute, there were nearly 800 events across the world in honor of this day in 2025.

In Lincoln County, locations included Beckwith Pharmacy in Troy, Elsberry Medicine Shoppe, and Winfield Pharmacy. Volunteers from LC-CORE set up tables with free Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and information about finding treatment or support.

According to volunteers, many people stopped by not just for information, but to show their gratitude. “It’s always shocking to see how many people have been impacted by overdose in our community” said coalition chair Madeline Drapp, “Many people stopped by our tables and only wanted to say thank you for the work we’re doing, which really means a lot”.

LC-CORE reported that they gave out 22 boxes of Narcan (which each contain 2 doses), 8 fentanyl test strip kits, and numerous other resources. Narcan, the brand name for naloxone, is a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. Anyone can give Narcan, and it won’t harm someone if you give it to them and they are not overdosing on an opioid.

LC-CORE meets monthly at the Lincoln County Health Department. Visit lc-core.org for more information.

The following agencies are members and/or volunteers of LC-CORE:

  • Lincoln County Health Department

  • PreventEd

  • Mercy Hospital

  • LCSO

  • Troy Dream Center

  • The Aviary

  • Community Members

  • DART

  • Preferred Family Healthcare

  • Compass Health Network

  • Lincoln County Ambulance District

  • Missouri Department of Corrections

  • And more!

Sarah Valenza