Save a Life
Narcan Access & Information
Narcan (naloxone) can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life. It's free, easy to use, and available to anyone in our community who wants to be prepared.
What Is Narcan?
If you think someone is overdosing, call 911 right away. Then give naloxone if you have it. Ohio's Good Samaritan law offers limited legal protection to people who seek help in good faith during an overdose.
Narcan, also known as naloxone, is FDA-approved and one of the few medications that can reverse an opioid overdose - from heroin, fentanyl, or prescription pain medications — and potentially save a life. It's available to first responders and community members alike.
Naloxone works by quickly blocking the effects of opioids on the brain and restoring normal breathing. It's safe and non-addictive, has no potential for misuse, and causes no harm if it's given to someone who isn't actually experiencing an opioid overdose. That's why experts encourage anyone who uses opioids, lives with someone who does, or simply wants to be ready to keep a kit on hand.
Recognizing an Overdose
An opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Signs include:
- Will not wake up or respond to their name or touch
- Blue or gray lips, fingernails, or skin
- Gurgling, choking, or snoring-like sounds
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Very small, pinpoint pupils
- Limp body and pale, clammy skin
How to Respond
If you suspect an overdose, act quickly:
Call 911 Immediately
Tell the dispatcher someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Give your exact location.
Give Naloxone
Spray one dose into one nostril. If there's no response after 2–3 minutes, give a second dose in the other nostril.
Support Their Breathing
If trained, give rescue breaths. Otherwise, keep the airway clear and stay with them.
Place Them on Their Side
Once breathing returns, roll them into the recovery position to prevent choking.
Stay Until Help Arrives
Naloxone wears off in 30–90 minutes, so the overdose can return. Don't leave them alone.
How to Get a Free Narcan Kit
Naloxone kits are available at no cost from these local and statewide sources:
Seneca County Health Department
Call to request a free kit.
419-447-3691
Ottawa County Health Department
Call to request a free kit.
419-734-6800
Sandusky County Public Health
Wyandot County Health Department
Call to request a free kit.
419-294-3852
Harm Reduction Ohio
Huron County Public Health
Call to request a free kit.
419-668-1652