SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – San Diegans can obtain the medication Naloxone, or Narcan, for free at several locations around the county -- with no questions asked.
The life-saving medicine can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose; it is administered when sprayed into a person’s nose.
Per the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
“Naloxone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist -- meaning that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. Administered when a patient is showing signs of opioid overdose, naloxone is a temporary treatment and its effects do not last long. Therefore, it is critical to obtain medical intervention as soon as possible after administering/receiving naloxone.”
According to SAFE Project, in all U.S. states and Washington, D.C., a person can get Narcan from a pharmacist without a prescription.
Seven San Diego County Public Health Centers offer Narcan at no charge and no questions asked:
- Chula Vista: 690 Oxford Street
- El Cajon: 855 E. Madison
- Escondido: 606 East Valley Parkway
- Oceanside: 104 S. Barnes
- San Diego, City Heights: 5202 University Avenue
- San Diego, Logan Heights: 3177 Oceanview Boulevard
- San Diego, Kearny Mesa: 5055 Ruffin Road
