Opioid emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere.
Healthy Communities Coalition believes being prepared is essential for fostering a safe and supportive environment.
That's why we are proud to offer Naloxone (Narcan). This effective medication can reverse opioid overdoses and is free at our local food pantries in Dayton, Silver Springs, and Yerington. By ensuring that this life-saving resource is accessible to our community, we empower individuals and families to take proactive steps in emergencies.
Together, we can create healthier, more resilient communities where everyone has the means to respond effectively to crises. Your preparedness can make a difference. Let's work together to protect our loved ones and neighbors.
Naloxone: The Real MVP
There’s a lot to rave about when it comes to naloxone.
Life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses? Check.
Simple to use and available as a non-addictive nasal spray? Yup – it’s small enough to throw in your bag to have on you, just in case.
Signs of an Opioid Overdose
Opioid overdose can happen fast. If any one of these signs are present, call 911 and give NARCAN.
Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
Unusual and heavy sleepiness or unresponsiveness
Slow, shallow, or absent breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Skin feels clammy and cold
Pale, blue, gray, or cold nails, lips or fingertips
How to Give NARCAN
Step 1: Check for signs of opioid overdose. Gently shake the person and yell “Wake up!”. If the person does not wake and signs of opioid overdose are present, go to Step 2.
Step 2: Give NARCAN. Hold the nasal spray device with your thumb on the button of the plunger and insert the nozzle into either nostril. Press the plunger firmly to give the NARCAN dose. Each nasal spray device is one dose.
Step 3: Call 911 immediately after giving NARCAN.
Step 4: Watch and give if needed. Wait 2-3 minutes after the first dose to see if the person wakes up. If the person does not wake up, continue to give doses ever 2-3 minutes until they do. It is safe to keep giving doses.
Step 5: Stay with the person until an ambulance arrives, even if the person wakes up. Give another dose if the person becomes very sleepy again and can’t stay awake.
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DRUG TAKE BACK DAYS
Drug Take-Back Days are designated events aimed at safely disposing of unused or expired medications to prevent misuse and protect the environment. These events provide a convenient and anonymous way for individuals to turn in their medications. By participating, you help reduce the risk of accidental overdoses, substance abuse, and environmental contamination, fostering a healthier and safer community for everyone.
Dates for these events will be posted on our calendar and announced on social media.
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TRAINING
We're excited to offer training sessions on how to safely administer Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. This training will be available at our food pantries, ensuring that community members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to act in emergencies.
Additionally, we’re bringing the training to local businesses! If you’re interested in hosting a session for your employees, contact us to schedule a training session tailored to your needs.
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SAFE STORAGE
Proper medication storage is crucial to preventing accidental misuse and ensuring safety in our homes. We’re here to help! Healthy Communities Coalition offers guidance on how to store medications securely, keeping them out of reach of children and pets.
If you need assistance or resources to enhance your medication storage practices, reach out to us. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone in our community!
FAQ
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Does NARCAN nasal spray work if someone is not breathing?
A person does not need to be breathing for the NARCAN nasal spray to work. The medicine is absorbed by the nasal mucosa and does not need to be inhaled to work.
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How do I store NARCAN nasal spray?
Store at room temperature or refrigerate, between 36 degrees F and 77 degrees F. Do not freeze it, protect it from light, and avoid excessive heat (above 104 degrees F).
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Can you overdose of NARCAN nasal spray?
No, it is safe to keep giving doses every 2-3 minutes until the person wakes up or emergency personnel arrive.
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What are possible side effects of NARCAN nasal spray?
People may experience withdrawal symptoms upon waking, such as shaking, sweating, nausea, feeling angry or wanting to use opioids. This is expected.
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How long does NARCAN nasal spray stay in your system?
It usually starts working within minutes and lasts from 60 to 120 minutes. More than one dose may be needed, which is why getting immediate medical care is critical.
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Do I need a prescription for NARCAN nasal spray?
No, it is available over the counter at most pharmacies. Our HCC food pantries in Dayton, Silver Stage, and Yerington have Naloxone Kits. They are free and we also offer training in it's useage.
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How-To Videos
Watch these NARCAN manufacturer videos to learn how to give NARCAN during an overdose.
Good Samaritan Law
Nearly 19,000 overdose deaths in 2014 were attributed to prescription pain relievers, and more than 10,000 overdose deaths were attributed to heroin in the same year. Nevada ranks second in the country for units prescribed per 100,000 patients for hydrocodone and oxycodone. Many overdose deaths occur in the presence of others and can be prevented.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act of 2015 (Senate Bill 459, Chapter 26, Statutes of Nevada 2015 NRS 453C.120) created various provisions addressing the opiate overdose epidemic that continues to claim over 300 lives per year in Nevada. The law prevents punitive actions against health professionals and any person who administers naloxone or calls 911 to assist someone who may be overdosing on opiates. It also provides immunity to persons seeking medical treatment for an opioid overdose for themselves or someone else.
In addition, the law allows greater access to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug. Naloxone is available at area pharmacies and can be obtained without a prescription. Costs vary depending on the version of the medication (nasal, auto-injector, or syringe). Family members and friends of those who use prescription pain narcotics or illegal narcotics are now able to obtain the drug and have it available in case of an accidental overdose.
You can find the Nevada Revised Statute here.