DMH to Hold Press Conference Marking Overdose Awareness Day, Highlighting Statewide Naloxone Access
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) will host a press conference on Monday, August 31 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jackson Medical Mall to mark International Overdose Awareness Day and close out Overdose Awareness Week in Mississippi. The event will bring together DMH and state leadership, plus community stakeholders to discuss the state’s ongoing efforts to prevent overdose deaths and expand access to lifesaving resources.
The press conference follows Governor Tate Reeves’ signing of a proclamation earlier this week officially recognizing August 31, 2026, as Overdose Awareness Day in Mississippi. DMH staff joined the Governor for the signing, which reaffirms the state’s commitment to overdose prevention and recovery, while honoring the Mississippians lost to overdose.
Overdose remains a serious public health concern in Mississippi, though recent data shows meaningful progress in our state. Mississippi recorded 449 drug overdose deaths in the 12-month period ending December 2025, a significant decline from the peak of 746 deaths in 2021. Nationally, opioids continue to account for the majority of overdose fatalities, underscoring the importance of continued prevention and rapid response tools like naloxone.
As part of these efforts, DMH will spotlight the availability of Narcan through DMH, MSDH and vending machines — such as the one at the Jackson Medical Mall. The machines allow anyone to access naloxone anonymously and at no cost, giving Mississippians a critical tool to reverse opioid overdoses and save lives in their own communities.
DMH will also highlight Stand Up MS, the department’s substance use awareness and recovery platform. The site connects Mississippians with nearby treatment centers, shares personal stories of recovery and provides access to the DMH Helpline at 1-877-210-8513 for anyone seeking help for themselves or a loved one.
“Every number in our overdose data represents a Mississippian — a family member, a friend, a neighbor. The decline we’re seeing is proof that prevention, treatment and access to naloxone save lives, but our work isn’t finished,” said Wendy Bailey, Executive Director of DMH.
“Governor Reeves’ proclamation and the resources we’re highlighting today, from distribution of naloxone to Stand Up MS to highlighting the real voices of recovery, reflect our unwavering commitment to making sure every Mississippian struggling with substance use knows that hope and recovery are within reach.”
Monday’s press conference marks the conclusion of Overdose Awareness Week, a nationwide push to raise awareness of overdose prevention, reduce stigma around substance use disorders and connect people with treatment and recovery resources.
Event Details:
What: Overdose Awareness Day Press Conference
When: Monday, August 31, 2026, 1:30 p.m.
Where: Jackson Medical Mall (350 W Woodrow Wilson Ave, Jackson, MS 39213)
For more information about where to get naloxone and treatment resources or to hear more recovery stories, visit standupms.org.