Find Naloxone in USA and Canada

Contents

Naloxone access programs, especially free distribution, have become a vital component of the public health response to the opioid crisis in both the USA and Canada. Here’s a breakdown of the Naloxone free programs in both countries:

USA Naloxone Map

This map is produced and maintained by the National Harm Reduction Coalition and has been crafted using extensive data collected over the years from both advocates and individuals who use drugs. It’s designed primarily for those who either use drugs or are closely associated with individuals at potential overdose risk. “Community-based” means these locations are intended for drug users to obtain FREE naloxone without the need for an ID or signing up for any program. The map’s data is up-to-date as of August 30th, 2023.

Alternative options: Locations with free Naloxone can be also found on the following sources:

Federal Efforts

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has provided grants to various states and organizations to expand access to Naloxone and associated training. These grants often enable the provision of free Naloxone.

State Efforts

State Health Departments: Many states have set up programs to distribute Naloxone for free or at a significantly reduced cost. The exact nature of these programs varies from state to state.

Standing Orders: This policy allows pharmacies to dispense Naloxone without a direct prescription, often for free or at a reduced price. For instance, some states, like Pennsylvania, have issued statewide standing orders, so any individual can request a Naloxone kit at a pharmacy without a prescription. Depending on the individual’s insurance and the state’s funding, it could be free or come at a reduced price.

Community-Based Programs

Local Harm Reduction Organizations: Many local organizations and nonprofits distribute free Naloxone kits and provide training on overdose recognition and Naloxone administration. An example is the DOPE Project in San Francisco.

First Responder Programs: Some states and localities have set up programs where first responders, such as police or fire department personnel, carry Naloxone and are trained to administer it.

Canada Naloxone Programs

Federal Level

Canada has been a significant advocate for increasing Naloxone access across the nation. In 2016, they facilitated this by removing its prescription status.

Provincial, Territorial and Сommunity Programs

Many provinces and territories in Canada offer free Naloxone kits at various distribution sites. Across Canada, community health centers and Harm Reduction Sites likewise distribute free Naloxone kits and offer training on its use. They are presented in the following list:

Final Thought

Wherever you are, while getting a Naloxone kit is crucial, being trained on recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose and knowing how to administer the drug is equally important. The following articles can help with this:

Free naloxone distribution programs have emerged as a crucial aspect of harm reduction strategies in tackling the opioid crisis.

Countries that have adopted publicly funded programs to distribute naloxone for lay administration within communities, as a core component of their harm-reduction strategies to address the opioid crisis. The effectiveness of these programs in reducing mortality from opioid overdose has been well-documented across systematic reviews.