Working together to reduce opioid overdose and drug-related deaths
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical center has partnered with Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone) to provide training and free naloxone kits, also known as Narcan, at our hospital pharmacy locations in Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding area. A prescription is not necessary to receive training or to pick up the medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
Across Ohio and the country, fentanyl, a very potent opioid, is more commonly being found in other substances, making naloxone a critical tool to have on hand. Fentanyl is responsible for the highest percentage of fatal overdoses in our community. Coroner reports have found fentanyl mixed into non-opioid illicit drugs such as stimulants, pills and marijuana.
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (heroin, fentanyl or prescription pain medications). When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restores breathing. Naloxone has been used safely by emergency medical professionals for more than 40 years and has only one critical function: to reverse the effects of opioids to prevent overdose death. Naloxone has no potential for abuse.
If naloxone is given to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, it is harmless. If naloxone is administered to a person who is dependent on opioids, it will produce withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal, although uncomfortable, is not life-threatening. This makes naloxone a great tool for anyone — not just health care providers — to use to prevent death in someone experiencing an overdose.
Who should pick up a naloxone kit?
Anyone can pick up a kit and get trained. Whether you’re caring for someone who uses opioids to manage pain or you know someone with a substance use disorder, having naloxone can help save a life.
What training will I receive?
When you stop at the pharmacy, the pharmacist will have you fill out a form, and will provide written training instructions and the medication kit.
You will be trained on:
- Recognizing the signs and symptoms of overdose
- Performing rescue breathing
- Calling 911
- Administering intranasal naloxone
Where can I pick up free naloxone without a prescription?
Several Ohio State pharmacies in the Columbus area carry naloxone that is free to the public.
Naloxone can also be found at The Ohio State University Student Pharmacy.
By mail
The following are options for individuals to receive naloxone for free in the mail, no insurance required.
Franklin County residents:
Other Ohio residents:
Naloxone Vending Machine
Our naloxone vending machines dispense essential naloxone and fentanyl test strips directly to individuals without needing to go to a pharmacy. They offer a discreet and accessible way for individuals to obtain these supplies at no cost, promoting safety, increasing awareness of substance use and ultimately saving lives.
Our two locations provide easy access to life-saving medications and supplies for both the community and students:
- Ohio State Recreational and Physical Activity Center (RPAC), inside the west entrance, accessible during RPAC hours of operation
- King Avenue United Methodist Church, outside the front entrance at the corner of Neil Ave and King Ave, accessible 24/7
Additional Resources
For more information about substance use disorders and treatment, please visit Ohio State’s Mental and Behavioral Health services page.