HealthStreet Response to the Opioid Crisis

NARCAN® Nasal Spray Distribution Initiative

HealthStreet was invited to partner with the Florida Department of Children and Families to fight the opioid epidemic by distributing an expensive, life-saving drug, free of charge, to our community members. Opioid addiction has been a leading cause of death in our country, with Florida reporting a high number of deaths: 3,340 deaths and 9,272 non-fatal opioid overdoses in 2019. Reports of deaths are still unavailable for 2020. The administration of  NARCAN® Nasal Spray (also known as naloxone) to an individual who has overdosed on opioids can save a life. Our community health workers are trained on the proper use of NARCAN® Nasal Spray and are distributing this to as many people as possible while on outreach. Our goal is to distribute as many units of NARCAN® as there were opioid-related deaths in 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many communities have seen an increase in overdoses.

What does NARCAN® Nasal Spray do?

Narcan® saves lives. Narcan® reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. HealthStreet distributes this life-saving drug free to our community.

Who can administer NARCAN® Nasal Spray?

Anyone can administer this to a person who is experiencing an opioid-related overdose. The Florida Good Samaritan law states: “A person who does [this] in good faith and without compensation is not liable for any civil or other damages as the result of the act.”

How is Narcan® administered?

Narcan® is sprayed into a person’s nose. The directions are displayed on the box.

Who should carry NARCAN®?

Everyone. One never knows when you will need it.

What can I do? Where can I get it?

Our community health workers have been distributing NARCAN® at motels, hotels, gas stations, grocery stores, and malls. Please take one when you see them or call us at 352-294-4880. Take it with you wherever you go. It can fit in your purse or your backpack. You never know when you will need to save a life!

Here is what some people have told us recently:

We actually used Narcan® spray to save the life of one of our customers recently. We are so happy we had it on hand

“My parents administered Narcan® nasal spray to me after finding me with pinpoint pupils and incoherent. I am writing this today cause Narcan® saved my life! Thank you for this miracle drug”

“A traffic jam was due to someone in their car overdosing. I happened to have Narcan® with me in my car and was able to save a life. I had no idea this drug would be used by me in a real situation”.

In order to surpass our goal, and to save lives, we need your help.  For more information about how you can obtain NARCAN® from HealthStreet, please call us at 352-294-4880.  Thank you for helping keep our community safe.

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