In an effort to further reduce the number of opioid-involved deaths in Iowa, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), in partnership with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy, is sponsoring a new initiative that makes NARCAN® 4mg nasal spray (naloxone) available for free at local pharmacies. NARCAN® is the antidote for an opioid overdose, blocking the opioid’s effects. The spray helps a person’s breathing to return to normal. However, NARCAN®’s effect is only temporary, meaning the person needs to seek medical care immediately.

Any individual 18 years of age or older can request to be screened by a pharmacist for eligibility to receive NARCAN®. If approved, the pharmacy may dispense up to two NARCAN® 4mg nasal spray kits at no charge to the recipient.

This initiative allows Iowans to be prepared if they encounter someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose. Some people may want the NARCAN® for a family member or friend, or for themselves if they use opioids. This medication can save lives and stop an overdose death from occurring.

Another option is the Tele-Naloxone program that allows people an option for NARCAN® without meeting directly with their pharmacist. Tele-Naloxone is a partnership between the Iowa Department of Public Health and the University of Iowa Health Care. An interested person meets with a pharmacist by telemedicine, directly from a smartphone or laptop, and gets free naloxone delivered to their door. Participation in the program is confidential. To get started, call 319-678-7825 from 8 am to 4 pm, weekdays or 8:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday.

If you have concerns for you or someone you love, Sieda Behavioral Health and Treatment Services are available to help. Please call them at 641-683-6747.

https://www.naloxoneiowa.org/directory  or  https://www.naloxoneiowa.org/telenaloxone