Reverse an overdose. Save a life.
What is Narcan
Narcan (Naloxone) is a lifesaving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose in just minutes. It usually takes effect very quickly to restore a normal respiratory rate to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of an overdose. First responders, law enforcement officers, and school nurses aren’t the only individuals who should carry narcan. If you use opioids or you have friends or family who use opioids, you should consider getting narcan and having a plan of action — and notifying family and friends where you are storing narcan — so everyone knows what to do in the case of an overdose emergency.
Narcan should be given only to someone experiencing an opioid overdose. Overdose most often occurs when people take a large or increased amount of opioids, mix opioids with alcohol or other drugs, or have had recent changes in tolerance levels.
Create a plan of action so everyone knows the steps to follow in case of an emergency overdose situation. Notify family and friends where you plan to store narcan so they can easily access the kit in case of an emergency.
Yvonne
Lifesaver
“My Partner and I saved a life through the use of Narcan. Three years later we met him in person. He was thankful and proud to say he was drug free. He is now helping others fight addiction. Helping save the life of one person has a pay it forward effect that is rewarding”
Fran
Lifesaver
“Where there's life, there's hope. Narcan saves lives. It gives people hope for treatment, recovery and a life filled with goodness. Administering narcan to a loved one let’s them know WE won’t give up!”
Where to Get Narcan
Narcan can be purchased, without a prescription, at participating pharmacies throughout Delaware. It is also available at statewide distribution and training events.
Narcan is available at these participating pharmacies:
- CVS Pharmacy locations (including those located inside Target stores)
- Walmart and Sam’s Club store locations in Delaware
- Giant Pharmacy locations
- Walgreens Pharmacy locations
- Acme and Safeway Pharmacy locations
- Rite Aid Pharmacy locations
- ShopRite Pharmacy locations
- Shayona Pharmacy—Delmar
- Greenhill Pharmacy locations
Before purchasing narcan you will be required to be trained in how to use it either in person at the pharmacy or by viewing this instructional video.
If your pharmacy would like to participate, please see more information here .
Narcan Distribution and Training Events
Special events are also held throughout the state, where narcan is distributed and on-the-spot narcan training, overdose rescue information, and other resources are available.
Narcan at your doorstep
Delaware’s Division of Public Health (DPH) has partnered with NEXT Distro, a nonprofit organization, to provide narcan at no cost through the mail to Delaware residents who might not otherwise have access to it. The goal is to remove barriers to obtaining this lifesaving medication, which can reverse an opioid overdose.
A 2019 study by the Delaware Drug Overdose Fatality Review Commission found that 79% of the fatal overdoses it reviewed happened in a home. The commission also found that in 93% of the fatal overdoses it studied, narcan was not available.
This program seeks to reverse that trend. Follow these steps to obtain narcan through the NEXT Harm Reduction program:
- Go to NextDistro.org/Delaware.
- Watch the narcan training video.
- Take the post-video test.
- Fill out a request form.
- Receive narcan in the mail at no charge.
- Download Delaware’s free OpiRescueDE app.
If you request narcan, please download the free OpiRescueDE app. The app offers step-by-step instructions on how to use narcan. It also allows you to anonymously report an opioid overdose reversal, which helps get the medication into more hands.
How to administer narcan
There are several ways you can get training on how to administer narcan to reverse an overdose:
OpiRescue Delaware — Free App
OpiRescue Delaware is a free overdose rescue application that provides:
- Step-by-step instructions to reverse an opioid overdose
- Resources for family and friends
Pharmacy training
Pharmacies that dispense narcan provide on-the-spot training by a licensed pharmacist.
Community training opportunities
If you or someone you know is struggling with an opioid addiction, you can attend free training sessions throughout the state to learn how to use narcan to prevent a potential overdose.
The following are approved training agencies in Delaware. Contact the agencies for more information on trainings available in your area.
| Name | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Brandywine Counseling and Community Services | 302-656-2348 | Website |
| Hero Help Program | 302-395-2811 | Website |
| aTAcK addiction | 302-593-0949 | Website |
| New Castle City Police Department | 302-322-9800 | Website |
| Recovery Centers of America | 844-862-3463 | Website |
| La Red Health Center | 302-855-2020 ext. 1231 | Website |
| Collegiate Recovery Community, University of Delaware | 302-831-3457 | Website |
| Community SOS | 302-428-6593 | |
| Ocean View Police Department | 302-539-1111 | Website |
| Connections CSP | 302-518-5338 | Website |
| Delaware Medical Reserve Corp | 302-831-8368 | Website |
Training videos
There are three FDA-approved forms of narcan: NARCAN® Nasal Spray, EVZIO Auto-Injector, and a Nasal Kit with Atomizer.
Symptoms of an overdose
- Abnormal pupil size
- Agitation
- Convulsions
- Delusional or paranoid behavior
- Difficulty breathing
- Drowsiness or unconsciousness
- Hallucinations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loud or erratic snoring
- Weak pulse
- Ashen or blue skin
- Nonreactive pupils (pupils that do not change size when exposed to light)
- Staggering or unsteady walk
- Sweating or extremely dry, hot skin
- Tremors or muscle spasms
- Violent or aggressive behavior
Syringe Exchange Program
Used syringes can be exchanged for sterile ones at mobile locations throughout the state. Test strips, which detect whether or not drugs are laced with fentanyl, are also available — fentanyl was linked to 29 percent of overdose deaths in 2017.
Pharmacist Training
Online continuing education on safe and effective opioid prescribing for chronic pain is available for pharmacists, accredited by the Boston University School of Medicine. See the Health Care Providers section of HelpIsHereDE.com for other CME opportunities available in Delaware.
Law Enforcement Training
The First Responder Narcan Leave-Behind Program is an offering from the Delaware Division of Public Health. This program enables first responders to equip overdose victims, their friends, and their families with narcan and train them how to use it to save a life. Narcan kits will be offered at no cost by these trained first responders, as part of their response to a nonfatal overdose.
