Narcan/Naloxone Distributors

Narcan/Naloxone distributors are organizations that provide naloxone (Narcan) to at-risk individuals, their families, and the public. They offer Narcan through harm reduction programs, pharmacies, and mobile units, along with training on proper use. Narcan is a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses by dislodging opioids like fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, or heroin from the receptor sites that these substances bind to in the brain which in turn restoring normal breathing.

Role in Harm Reduction

• Life-Saving: Narcan quickly reverses opioid overdoses, preventing fatalities.

• Training & Accessibility: Distributors ensure Narcan is available and provide education on its proper use.

• Community Empowerment: Enables individuals to act as first responders, potentially saving lives before emergency services arrive.

Narcan in Ohio and Greater Cleveland

• Key Programs:

  • Project DAWN: Provides free Narcan kits and overdose education.

  • Cuyahoga County: Narcan is available through health departments, mobile units, and pharmacies in Cuyahoga County.

  • Pharmacy Access: Ohio pharmacies can dispense naloxone without a prescription, improving accessibility.

Benefits to Society

• Reduced Overdose Deaths: Narcan availability directly contributes to fewer overdose fatalities.

• Public Health Impact: Narcan helps ease the strain on emergency services by enabling quick intervention.

• Pathway to Recovery: Survivors often connect to treatment and recovery services.

• Community Safety: Narcan empowers communities to respond quickly to opioid overdoses.

Challenges & Solutions

• Stigma: Public education reduces stigma, showing Narcan as a life-saving tool.

• Rural Access: Mobile units, mail order Narcan kits, and pharmacy programs expand reach to under-served areas.

• Training: Ongoing training ensures effective use of Narcan and proper follow-up care.

Alternatives

• Overdose Apps: Apps like Never Use Alone connect users to emergency support during overdoses.

• Naloxone Vending Machines: Offer Narcan 24/7 in public locations.

• Mobile Outreach Units: Provide Narcan and overdose education in areas with limited access.

Introduction of Nalmefene (Opvee)

• Opvee (Nalmefene): A more potent opioid antagonist than naloxone.

• Effectiveness: Works better for potent synthetic opioids like nitazenes, sufentanil, and carfentanil.

• Benefit: Longer-lasting and more effective for severe overdoses.

• Current Status: Prescription-only, but as synthetic opioid overdoses rise, wider availability may be coming soon.

• Potential: Can complement Narcan for better overdose response.

For more information, visit the Opvee website.

The Bottom Line/Outside Resources

Narcan distribution is critical in saving lives and reducing opioid overdose deaths. With emerging tools like nalmefene (Opvee), we are finally beginning to have better options to fight the growing threat of extremely potent synthetic opioids. Together, Narcan and nalmefene form a vital response to the opioid crisis.

For more information on where to obtain Narcan please visit these resources:

Narcan Distribution Map (Nation-Wide Resource)
Next Distro (Free Narcan by Mail - Ohio Residents Only!)