From 1-2 pm every day the Santa Clara County Opioid Overdose Prevention
Project offers free Narcan® training and kits to anyone who would like one. In
less than 10 minutes, you could be equipped with the knowledge and tools to
help save an opioid overdose victim.
If you want to help prevent opioid overdoses, these are some individual ways that you can help.
Safely Store Medications
Keep medications out of reach of children. To prevent accidental ingestion, keep medications out of reach of children. More information about safe storage can be found at https://www.upandaway.org/
Get a medication lock box. Medication lock boxes can provide additional security. Think about getting one, especially if you live in a communal space, such as a dorm. These can be found at https://medicinesafe.com/ and other vendors.
Get rid of unused, unwanted, or expired medications.
Find a disposal site. Sites to drop off unwanted/unused medications can be found here.
Dispose at home. You can dispose of medications in your household trash, but there are a few things you need to know first. The simple steps for at home disposal can be found at here.
Use medications properly.
Don’t share medications. There’s a reason certain medications need to be carefully prescribed by physicians. If something was prescribed to you, that means it’s for you only.
Talk to your doctor. Always talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Certain combinations of drugs(like opioids and benzodiazapines) can be more dangerous.
Get Involved.
Get trained to use NARCAN®. It’s quick, anyone can get trained, and it means you can save a life. SCCOOPP will provide you with a free kit and training, find out how here.
Join SCCOOPP. Join our team and find out how you can help!
Information about Naloxone (Narcan®)
Naloxone (also known by its brand name, Narcan®) is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is usually available as a nasal or injectable medication and works by outcompeting opioids and binding on to the opioid receptor, alleviating the sedating effects of the opioid. When given during an overdose, Naloxone could restore breathing within 2-8 minutes.
California state regulations permit pharmacists to prescribe Naloxone without a prescription in accordance with the Title 16 California Code of Regulations Section 1746.3.
Pharmacists go through a screening process and are required to provide counseling and education for those obtaining Naloxone. This includes prevention, recognition of overdose, response, and administration.