The Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board has awarded funding to the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. According to a press release, the funds aim to expand resources and services to save lives and reduce or prevent illicit opioid use.

This funding, not new to SWODA, has previously supported initiatives like Naloxone (Narcan) Saturation. SWODA serves the counties of Custer, Roger Mills, Beckham, Washita, Greer, Kiowa, Harmon, and Jackson.

“Naloxone saves lives by quickly reversing opioid overdoses,” said Steve Berry, SWODA's Project Director. “If administered promptly after an overdose, Naloxone can restore breathing within minutes. Time is critical in these situations, so ensuring easy access to Naloxone and proper training on its use is vital.

“If your house is on fire, you don’t start by hiding the matches—you put out the fire. Our goal with Naloxone saturation is to end overdose deaths. While prevention, treatment, and recovery support are essential, our immediate focus is on saving lives.”

SWODA partners with local organizations to deliver these life-saving resources to communities. Recently, they announced a partnership with Custer County officials to bolster Naloxone saturation efforts by training first responders and community members to recognize and respond to overdoses effectively.

This grant funding stems from a settlement between the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Similar grants will be available annually for the next 12 to 15 years.

Counties within SWODA's service area are eligible for free overdose emergency kits, Naloxone vending machines, Naloxone training, medication lockboxes, and at-home disposal kits, all provided at no cost.