Heroin use and heroin-related overdose deaths are increasing among people from all walks of life in the United States. Most people are using it with other drugs, especially prescription opioid painkillers, marijuana, crystal methamphetamines, and fentanyl.  Using heroin, along with other drugs or alcohol, compounds the risk of overdose. 

San Luis Valley Area Health Education Center (SLV AHEC) plays a key role in prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.  We can address the strongest risk factor for heroin addiction, addiction to prescription opioid painkillers, by improving prescribing practices. For people already addicted, SLV AHEC can improve access to substance abuse treatment services, advocacy, and expand access to naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose.  Naloxone saves lives! 

Everyone can learn about the risks of using heroin and other drugs, get help for substance abuse problems and learn how to recognize and respond to an overdose.       

To learn more, for educational presentations, or to get help, please call: (719) 298-7041. To learn more about vital signs: go to cdc.gov/vitalsigns.