Naloxone is a medication that can save lives by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Some examples of opioids are heroin, fentanyl, methadone, OxyContin®, and Vicodin®. You can give naloxone to someone as an injection or nasal spray.
People who should carry naloxone:
- People who use drugs
- Friends and family of people who use drugs
- Those who interact with people who use drugs, including service providers and emergency personnel
Learn the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and how to take action on the Naloxone Instructions webpage.
How can I get naloxone?
- Find naloxone near you.
- Naloxone is covered by Medicaid in Washington State.
- Naloxone can be dispensed at pharmacies without a prescription.
- Naloxone can be provided by community-based organizations because there is a Statewide Standing Order to Dispense Naloxone.
Statewide Standing Order to Dispense Naloxone
The Statewide Standing Order to Dispense Naloxone can be used as a prescription for naloxone. People may take this standing order to a pharmacy to get naloxone instead of going to a health care provider to get a prescription. Organizations may also use this standing order to get naloxone. Spanish version - Statewide Standing Order to Dispense Naloxone (PDF)
Frequently asked questions regarding the Statewide Standing Order to Dispense Naloxone can be found here: Statewide Standing Order FAQ.
How can my organization become a naloxone distribution program?
Important: A new law went into effect on January 1, 2022 that affects how Department of Health (DOH) can provide naloxone kits to your program. If you represent a Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) and/or Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), please see Reference Page for 2SSB 5195 or email naloxoneprogram@doh.wa.gov to learn how this law applies to your agency.
The DOH Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) program supports access to naloxone for people who are likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose. The program provides free naloxone for distribution to clients and community members, overdose recognition and response trainings for community organizations, and technical assistance to organizations that are interested in distributing naloxone. Please note: we cannot provide naloxone to agencies for their own use.
If you are interested in applying for the program, please complete the Naloxone Program Application.
Data
Access to naloxone and training on how to use it are essential to reduce deaths and help address the opioid crisis. View data related to overdose in Washington State
Resources
- Reference Page for 2SSB 5195 – Distributing opioid overdose reversal medications in hospital emergency departments and certified and licensed behavioral health settings
- Opioid Overdose Prevention | Washington State Department of Health
- StopOverdose.Org
- SAMHSA's Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit
- Overdose Prevention Resources | National Harm Reduction Coalition
- Washington State Naloxone Distribution Plan State Fiscal Year 2022 (PDF)
- Memo from the Office of Insurance Commissioner regarding opioid reversal medication prescriptions and life insurance