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What is naloxone?

Naloxone is a non-scheduled (non-addictive), prescription medication used in opioid overdoses to counteract life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system, allowing an individual experiencing an overdose to breathe normally. Naloxone can be administered by non-medical personnel, which makes it ideal for individuals to treat overdose in people who have been prescribed opioid pain medication and in people who use heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids. Naloxone only works if a person has opioids in their system and the medication has no harmful effects if opioids are absent. It may take multiple doses of naloxone to take effect.
 
*Please remember to call 9-1-1 immediately after use to ensure proper medical treatment. Naloxone works to reverse opioid overdose in the body for only 30 to 90 minutes. But many opioids remain in the body longer than that. Because of this, it is possible for a person to still experience the effects of an overdose after the naloxone wears off.

Who should carry naloxone?

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You may consider carrying naloxone if:

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  • You, a friend, or family member have a prescription for opioid pain medication.

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  • You, a friend, or family member misuse opioid pain medications.

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  • You, a friend, or family member use illegal opiods such as heroin or fentanyl, or combine opioids with benzodiazepines.

How do I get free naloxone?

FREE nasal naloxone is available to anyone in Ohio who is, or knows someone who is at risk of overdose. To order naloxone by mail, please complete the following steps:​

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Step 1: Watch a quick training video on how to safely use Narcan, which will begin playing once you click "get started" below.

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Step 2: Complete a brief survey which collects data that allows us to continue to receive the kits for no cost to you. 

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Step 3: Enter an address where we can mail your free nasal naloxone. 

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Your free nasal naloxone kit will be mailed to the address you provide within 3 business days. The kit will arrive in discrete packaging, so no one will be able to tell what is inside. 

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Funding Statement

This work is funded in whole or in part by a grant awarded by the Ohio Department of Health, Office of Health Improvement and Wellness, Violence and Injury Prevention Section, and as an award of a grant issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Federal Award Identification Number 6H79SP080296-01M005, and as a sub-award of a grant issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under the Overdose Data to Action grant, CFDA number 93.136. Additional funding to support this initiative has been provided by the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Board of Erie County, Ohio. 

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