The Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol has announced the launch of Rise Above Opioids, a new website designed to provide comprehensive resources for individuals and families affected by opioid addiction, according to a news release. Accessible at riseaboveopioids.org, the platform serves as a hub for education, prevention and recovery support.

Developed in partnership with Valley Youth House, Rise Above Opioids aims to serve as an educational and resource tool for information on opioid identification, behavioral conditions, addiction, treatment options and recovery resources.

Molly Stanton, assistant administrator for the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol, expressed her enthusiasm for the new website.

“We are committed to providing the community with the tools and support they need to combat opioid addiction,” Stanton said. “Rise Above Opioids is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to address this crisis and support those on their journey to recovery.”

The Rise Above Opioids website features educational materials, such as in-depth descriptions of opioids (fentanyl, Vicodin, OxyContin and xylazine) and how prescription opioids are misused and easily addictive; support services like guidance on obtaining naloxone (Narcan), help for families including a list of behavioral signs to look out for if you believe a family member may be misusing opioids and tips for discussing opioid use, or possible misuse, with teens and adults.

Additional features include a comprehensive list of local and national resources for individuals seeking help with signs of an overdose (“pinpoint pupils,” shallow breathing, limp body and discolored skin); overdose sounds and response associations; and detailed overdose harm reduction. Other features are emergency help checklists with safer-use practices and action plans, including administering Narcan, keeping individuals awake and ensuring emergency assistance is on the way.

As the single county authority, Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol is committed to supporting the recovery community through access to treatment, prevention, intervention efforts and helping to build a place for answers, resources, help and hope for recovery from addiction.

Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol manages federal, state and local dollars to combat addiction via a network of contracted providers, offering a full spectrum of services to county residents. Rise Above Opioids, as well as Change on Hamilton Recovery Center, is a publicly assessable tool in this effort along with prevention and education programs, treatment services and recovery support.

Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for vulnerable young people in Pennsylvania who are facing homelessness and abuse. It partners with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention and intervention services, it empowers resilient young people in establishing promising futures.

The riseaboveopioids.org site is now live. For more information about programs provided by the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol, visit riseaboveopioids.org or contact Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol at 610-782-3555. Lehigh Country Drug and Alcohol is located at 17 S. 17th St., Allentown, 18101.