Cook County health officials on Wednesday launched a new campaign to help local groups learn more about naloxone and how to acquire free doses. [Health News Illinois]

The campaign includes marketing, billboards and community posters with information on naloxone usage and free distribution sites.

“It’s important people know what naloxone is, how to use it, and where to get it free in suburban Cook County,” said Cook County Department of Public Health Chief Operating Officer Dr. Kiran Joshi. “We all know to ‘stop, drop and roll’ if we see fire. Now we want people to know to ‘lay, spray and stay’ if they see an overdose.”

The campaign comes as Cook County and the nation have seen a decline in opioid-related deaths. 

Preliminary data from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office found 276 opioid-related deaths last year, compared to 456 in 2023.

But officials said disparities remain in those affected, with Black residents making up 35.6 percent of opioid-related deaths in 2023, compared to 47.2 percent being white residents. Hispanic residents made up 15.6 percent of deaths.

“Disinvested communities are especially vulnerable due to a lack of resources,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Having naloxone in every community is essential to saving lives, no matter what ZIP code you live in.”

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