Opioid overdose is a pressing issue affecting communities across the country, including Kansas and Missouri. With opioid-related emergencies on the rise, having Narcan (Naloxone) on hand can make a life-saving difference. Narcan is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, providing vital time for emergency medical help to arrive. Here’s why it’s important to carry Narcan and how you can access it for free in your community.
Why Carry Narcan?
- Narcan Saves Lives
Narcan is a powerful opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioid overdose within minutes. Administering Narcan can restore normal breathing and consciousness to an individual experiencing an overdose, offering a critical window for help to arrive. Studies show that access to Narcan significantly reduces overdose fatalities. - Opioid Overdose Can Affect Anyone
Opioid misuse doesn’t just impact those struggling with addiction; it can also affect individuals prescribed opioids for pain management, or even someone who accidentally comes into contact with opioids. Having Narcan on hand provides an extra level of safety for friends, family, and community members, whether or not they have a history of opioid use. - Empowering Community Members to Help
By carrying Narcan, you empower yourself to assist in a potential overdose emergency, regardless of your medical training. Most Narcan kits come with simple instructions, and training is often available when you pick it up. Narcan is easy to administer and designed to be safe, even if given unnecessarily, so you don’t have to hesitate when every second counts.
Where to Access Free Narcan in Kansas and Missouri
Thanks to various public health initiatives, free Narcan is available at several locations across Kansas and Missouri. Here’s where you can find Narcan at no cost:
- Missouri: Visit this link for a map of Missouri and locations offering free Narcan.
- Kansas: Visit this link for a map of Kansas and locations offering free Narcan.
- Self Service Narcan Distribution Boxes:
- Kansas City Health Department: 2400 Troost. Ave., Kansas City — Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Cass County Health Department: 1411 S. Commercial St., Harrisonville — Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., find additional Cass County box locations at casscounty.com/2501/opioid-response
- Clay County Health Department: 800 Haines Drive, Liberty — Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Narcan Vending Machines in Kansas:
- Hutchinson: Crossover Recovery Center, 400 W. 2nd Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67501
- Kansas City: Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, 625 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS 66101
- Lawrence: Transit Center, 2314 Bob Billings Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66045
- Salina: CKF Addiction Treatment, 617 E. Elm St., Salina, KS 67401
- Wichita: Second Chances, 705 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214
How to Recognize An Overdose
According to the CDC, these symptoms can point to an overdose:
- Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
- Falling asleep or losing consciousness
- Slow, weak or no breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body Cold and/or clammy skin
- Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)
To administer nasal spray naloxone, follow these simple steps:
Call 911 immediately to report the medical emergency and the exact location. Remove the Narcan cartridge from the packaging. Hold the nozzle between your index and third finger, with your thumb on the plunger at the bottom. Insert the nozzle into one nostril of the person experiencing an overdose and firmly press the plunger to release the spray into their nose. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking. Wait a few minutes to see if the person becomes responsive. If they don’t, you can administer naloxone again in the other nostril. Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.