Naloxone (also know by its brand name: Narcan) is a lifesaving opioid overdose reversal drug. Other than possible withdrawal for people who have opioids in their system, there are no negative side effects to this medicine.
Anyone can save a life with Narcan, which is an easy to use nasal spray.
How do I get Narcan?
My Pharmacy
You DO NOT need a prescription to request Narcan at your local pharmacy.
With Medicaid, Narcan is never more than $3, and you can request it once a month, no questions asked. With commercial insurance, the price varies (though we’ve heard it can be upwards of about $100). Every West Virginian has a prescription already written for them, which can be accessed here:
See if your WV pharmacy dispenses Narcan! (this map is outdated–your best bet is just asking your local pharmacist for naloxone).
Check out county-level naloxone champions (people who organized free naloxone days by county). Once you click through, scroll down for county contacts.
Live in Charleston, WV area?
SOAR can help get you free naloxone and train you to use it. SOAR hosts monthly community clean-ups, where you can also stop by to pick up naloxone. Don’t see an upcoming event here? Just email us here: [email protected].
Naloxone via the Mail
The folks at WV Drug Intervention Institute and First Choice work together to offer free Narcan by mail. You need to participate in an online training, and then they’ll mail you a kit.
Narcan for your Business
SOAR WV volunteers regularly train and equip Charleston, WV area businesses with naloxone. All of these services and the kit are free.
Narcan for your Church / Synagogue / Mosque
SOAR WV volunteers are also happy to train and equip your house of worship. Our friends at the Ezekiel Project also offer excellent faith-based trainings, which include a helpful anti-stigma training and discussion.
Narcan for your Campus
Our friends at the West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network offer regular Narcan trainings (and free Narcan via the mail). You can check out their upcoming events here:
Want to Distribute Free Narcan in your Network?
WV’s Office of Drug Control Policy partners with the University of Charleston Pharmacy School to equip WV groups that serve people at risk of overdose with free naloxone. You can apply to be a distribution partner by filling out this form and emailing it to: [email protected].