What is naloxone?

Naloxone (or Narcan) is a drug used during an opioid overdose after first calling 911. This drug is safe and, when used with rescue breathing, can save a person’s life by helping them to start breathing. Naloxone comes in many forms, including an intranasal spray (spray you squirt into the nose) or by a shot into a large muscle.

Who should have naloxone?

If you use opioids or you have friends and family who use, you should consider having naloxone.

How can I get naloxone for myself or a loved one?

Talk with your doctors about getting a prescription for naloxone for yourself or a loved one.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use or an addiction-related crisis, call 2-1-1 for help finding treatment and recovery support options in your area.

Visit the Campaign and Materials Download page for materials to print and distribute to your community.

In 2015 the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS), in collaboration with Division of Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical Services, began a distribution and training campaign for naloxone.

That year DHHS purchased 6,000 naloxone kits for at-risk individuals and their friends and loved ones who did not have the means to pay for naloxone free of charge and were distributed through the state’s 10 community health centers, three additional clinics, and regional community events held by the state’s Regional Public Health Networks. That same year, the legislature passed a law establishing standing orders, making the life-saving medication available without a prescription at many New Hampshire pharmacies.

The administrative services provided by the Doorway-NH is expected to include purchasing and distribution of Naloxone. Each Doorway is in different states of readiness and development, so the timeline of when this service will be available will vary.