The Allentown and Bethlehem health bureaus, along with Northampton and Lehigh County state health centers, will once again be providing free naloxone as part of Gov. Tom Wolf’s Stop Overdoses in PA initiative. The naloxone distribution is scheduled for 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 18 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 25 locally and throughout Pennsylvania, as long as supplies last.

Naloxone is a medication that does not harm the individual it is administered to and is used to reverse an overdose caused by an opioid by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain.

“The lifesaving medication naloxone is essential for every resident to have on hand, particularly if you have a loved one suffering from opioid use disorder,” Wolf said. “We want to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have the proper tools to help fight this opioid crisis, and through this opportunity for free naloxone, we are saving lives and getting those who need it most into treatment. Keeping naloxone in your home, work or even in your car can make the difference between someone getting into treatment or dying from this disease.”

In the Lehigh Valley, the event will take place at the following locations:

•Lehigh County State Health Center, 3730 Lehigh St., suite 206, Whitehall

•Bethlehem Health Bureau, 10 E. Church St.

•Allentown Health Bureau, 245 N. Sixth St.

•Northampton County State Health Center, 1600 Northampton St., Easton

Additional information on Stop Overdoses Week and naloxone can be found on the state’s website, pa.gov/opioids.