Free Narcan Kits Available to Drug Users, Caregivers In Pasco County

PASCO COUNTY, FL — The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County announced the availability of free naloxone (narcan) nasal spray kits.

This life-saving medication could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths. Naloxone is available to people who use drugs, people with a history of drug use, others at risk of experiencing an overdose, friends, family members and others who may witness an overdose.

"We need new solutions to an old problem when it comes to substance abuse and addiction overdoses," said Mike Napier, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County.

"Distributing naloxone (narcan) into our community is just one of the many ways Pasco County is combatting this growing problem," he said.

Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of being administered to a person who has overdosed. Naloxone can be administered by a bystander (non-health care professional) before emergency medical assistance becomes available, but it is not intended to substitute for professional medical care.

Individuals should call 911 immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected before administering naloxone.

Those requesting a kit from DOH-Pasco County must meet the following eligibility:

• Must be 18 years old or older
• People at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose
• Caregivers who may witness an opioid overdose or others likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose.

Naloxone kits can be obtained at DOH-Pasco County offices at the following locations:

• DOH-Pasco County New Port Richey Clinic, 10841 Little Road, New Port Richey, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• DOH-Pasco Dade City Clinic, 13941 15th St., Dade City, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• DOH-Pasco Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call 727-619-0300, Option 1, for more information on naloxone in Pasco County.

Naloxone kits are free, and no appointment is necessary. People using naloxone receive educational material, referrals and connections for substance abuse intervention.

This month, Gov. Ron DeSantis launched the Coordinated Opioid Recovery program, the first of its kind in the nation, to provide comprehensive care to those affected by substance use disorder. Florida's Poison Control Centers are a valuable resource to people throughout Florida, including emergency personnel. Poison Control Centers are staffed by health care professionals that are specifically trained to treat drug overdoses or assess patients exposed to drugs of abuse. Medical toxicologists are available 24/7 for physician consultations. Call 1-800-222-1222 or visit the website.