Independence offers free Narcan and trainings on opioid awareness, overdose prevention 

Independence residents will have the chance to learn lifesaving skills and access free opioid overdose reversal medication at a series of events hosted by the Independence Health Services Division in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day. 

These events will focus on raising awareness about opioids, reducing stigma around overdose, and providing free Narcan (Naloxone) kits with hands-on training on how to use them. The first event will take place on Wednesday, August 20. 

Event Schedule 

Wednesday, Aug. 20  

• 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Mid-Continent Public Library - Farview Branch (18109 E. 12th St. N.) 

• 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Walmart Neighborhood Market (3411 S. Noland Rd.) 

Thursday, Aug. 21  

• 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM | Fairmount Community Center (217 S. Cedar Ave.) 

Friday, Aug. 22  

• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Mid-Continent Public Library - North Independence Branch (317 W. 24 Hwy) 

• 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Walmart Supercenter (4000 S. Bolger Rd.) 

Each event will feature the same information, training, and opioid overdose-reversing medications, ensuring that all attendees leave with the knowledge and resources to respond to an opioid emergency. Staff will also be available to answer additional questions and connect residents with additional resources. 

Over the past three years, the Health Services Division has distributed nearly 1,000 Naloxone kits, funded through the Missouri Opioid State Target Response and the Missouri State Opioid Response projects. The division also operates several harm reduction programs, including year-round free Narcan distribution and training, a Narcan vending machine installed at Community Services League earlier this year, and free Youth Mental Health First Aid classes for adults learning to identify warning signs and talk to children and teens about mental health and substance use. 

State and Local Opioid Trends 

In Missouri, opioid-involved deaths rose steadily from 2019 to 2022 before declining in 2023 for the first time in four years: 

The Independence Fire Department (IFD) has carried Narcan on every fire truck and emergency vehicle for the past three years. In 2024, IFD responded to 62 overdose calls; a decrease from 99 calls in 2023. 

These events are part of the City’s ongoing commitment to address the opioid crisis through prevention, education, and harm reduction.