Naloxone Access
Syringe Exchange Clients: Overdose rescue kits are available to people who use Jackson County Syringe Exchange Services. Kits are distributed by HIV Alliance during Syringe Exchange hours. Clients will need to complete a short training on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. At the end of the training clients receive a kit or kits that includes two doses of naloxone.
Access Outside of Syringe Exchange: If you do not utilize Jackson County Syringe Exchange Services, or need access to naloxone sooner than on clinic days, naloxone is available through a pharmacist, doctor, or through Max's Mission or HIV Alliance.
Those using prescription opioids: Ask your healthcare provider or the provider for your loved one to also prescribe naloxone. Oregon Health Plan and most insurers provide coverage for this life-saving medication.
Friends and family members: If you know someone who uses heroin or prescription opioids it is recommended to have naloxone on hand in the case of an overdose. In Oregon anyone can obtain naloxone from a pharmacist without seeing a healthcare provider first. Visit the Oregon Health Authority to find a map of pharmacies currently offering naloxone distribution.
Responding to an Overdose
Know the signs of an opioid overdose, which may include shallow breath, turning pale, blue or grey, choking or vomiting. If a person is unconscious and does not respond to stimulation:
- Call 9-1-1
- Perform rescue breathing
- Administer naloxone
Training videos are available on how to give someone naloxone.
Good Samaritan Overdose Law
If someone is overdosing and you call for medical help, you cannot be arrested or prosecuted for:
- Possessing drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Being in a place where drugs are used
- Violating probation or parole because of drug use or possession
- Outstanding warrant because of drug use or possession
Even if someone uses naloxone, the effects are temporary, and the person still needs medical attention. After the medication wears off, the person could fall back into a coma. It is important to call 9-11 because they may have overdosed from another substance.
Resources and Research on Naloxone