Naloxone (Narcan)

Graphic with image of naloxone nasal spray and injection and text naloxone saves lives

What is naloxone?

Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a safe and life-saving medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids cause death by slowing your breathing to the point it stops. Naloxone can quickly reverse this effect and helps the person to breathe again. Responding quickly is critical to preventing brain injury and death. Delays of only a few minutes may mean the difference between life and death. Naloxone is available as both a nasal spray and an injectable.

Where can I get naloxone in Washtenaw County?

  • All major pharmacy chains (No prior prescription needed, but cost depends on insurance. Call before going in.). Narcan is also available over the counter at select stores. 
  • Washtenaw Recovery Advocacy Project (WRAP): free naloxone shipped to you!
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is distributing free naloxone to individuals and agencies. Individuals can get naloxone mailed to them by requesting through Next Distro. Community organizations/agencies can request using this form. 
  • The Community Mental Health Partnership of Michigan (CMHPSM) provides naloxone and naloxone trainings. See their PDF of Naloxone access resources in Washtenaw here. 
  • In Ann Arbor:
    • All Ann Arbor District Library locations offer free Narcan. 
    • Ann Arbor Fire Departments have free naloxone/Narcan kits funded by State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness. You must be over the age of 18 to request.
    • City of Ann Arbor has a free naloxone vending machine in City Hall at 301 E. Huron.
  • In Ypsilanti: 
  • In Chelsea:
    • Free Narcan and fentanyl test strips at the Chelsea Wellness Center. The supply box is located at 14800 E. Old US-12 in front of the 5HF office.

If your organization provides naloxone and you'd like to be included in this list, please email [email protected]! 

How do I use naloxone?

Access a free community layperson training on how to use naloxone from local www.overdoseACTION.org. See this page from the CDC on how and when to use Naloxone for an opioid overdose. 

Families Against Narcotics has a list of training resources at https://www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org/naloxone

Who should carry naloxone?

  • Anyone at risk of an opioid overdose. This includes anyone who:
    • Has a prior history of overdose 
    • Is on chronic daily opioids
    • Has a history of opioid use disorder
    • Is taking sedatives with opioids
    • Recently experienced a change in tolerance due to period of abstinence or recent discharge from jail/prison/detoxification facility
  • Anyone who uses other substances that may laced with an opioid (example: cocaine)
  • Anyone who knows someone who is at risk for an opioid overdose