We Should All Carry Narcan

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is drug that blocks the absorption of opioids in the brain at the receptor-level. Opioids effect our respiration, which is why someone suffering from an overdose may stop breathing. By blocking opioid absorption, naloxone pauses its effects in the body. Naloxone saves lives by restoring the person’s breathing. Narcan is not a replacement for calling 911, but can save the person’s life while emergency medical personnel are on the way.

It is FDA approved and can be administered easily via a nasal spray. Even a child can do it. It was intentionally developed for use by those without medical training who may arrive at the scene first, such as friends or family.

Narcan (naloxone) is a critical harm reduction tool. Just as we have a fire extinguisher in every building and house to protect us in the event of a fire, we should also have Narcan readily available at all times.

Healthy Acadia provides free Narcan (naloxone) kits and training to those who want it, and an increasing amount of other public health organizations and health providers are doing the same.

Click here To request a free naloxone kit, training, and other harm reduction resources.

For more information, contact Beth Alteri (Hancock County) at beth.alteri@healthyacadia.org or Katie Sell (Washington County) at katie.sell@healthyacadia.org.