Overdose Prevention 101 Guide
How to get started with overdose prevention work in your community.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone can be given through a nasal spray (Narcan) or through an injection. Naloxone quickly reverses an opioid overdose by temporarily blocking the effects of opioids in the body. Naloxone can restore normal breathing within 2-3 minutes in a person whose breath has slowed, or even stopped, as a result of opioid overdose.
Related resources
Understanding Naloxone (website)
CDC Lifesaving Naloxone (videos and campaign resources)
Naloxone Distribution Plans (infographic)
How to Get Naloxone
Options for Obtaining Naloxone as an Organization
Remedy Alliance for the People is an organization that provides access to low-cost naloxone for distribution for harm reduction programs.
Options for Obtaining Naloxone as an Individual
Using the National Harm Reduction Coalition's Resource Finder, you can find naloxone and other harm reduction services near you.
If harm reduction services are not accessible in your community, NEXTDistro is a free mail-based harm reduction service that provides naloxone and syringe services throughout the U.S.
Visit any local pharmacy. Without a prescription, the pharmacist can furnish naloxone to you. Most insurances cover the sum or most of the cost of naloxone.
Accessing Naloxone in California
In California, the Department of Health Care Services operates the Naloxone Distribution Project, providing free naloxone to a variety of entities including community organizations.
California’s Statewide Standing Order for Naloxone allows for organizations to distribute naloxone.
For more information, please visit California Syringe Service Programs and Harm Reduction.