Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, codeine, and methadone. In response to the increasing number of opioid-related fatal overdoses in Massachusetts, the Department of Public Health is sponsoring a pilot program that is distributing intra-nasal naloxone (Narcan©), along with opioid overdose prevention education, to opioid users and to trusted people in their lives such as family, friends, and staff of human services programs. Emergency responders including paramedics and emergency room physicians have been using naloxone since the 1970's to revive people who are experiencing an opioid overdose. Many programs nationally, and now here in Massachusetts have been making this life-saving medication available to people who are most likely to witness an overdose.