Pasco County, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) announces the availability of free Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray kits. This lifesaving medication could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state. Naloxone is available to people who use drugs, people with a history of drug use, others at risk of experiencing an overdose, friends, family members, and others who may witness an overdose.
“We need new solutions to an old problem when it comes to substance abuse and addiction overdoses,” said Mike Napier, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County. “Distributing Naloxone (Narcan) into our community is just one of the many ways Pasco County is combatting this growing problem.”
Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of being administered to a person who has overdosed. Naloxone can be administered by a bystander (non-healthcare professional) before emergency medical assistance becomes available, but it is not intended to substitute for professional medical care. Individuals should call 911 immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering Naloxone.
Persons requesting a kit from DOH-Pasco County must meet the following eligibility:
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose
- Caregivers who may witness an opioid overdose or others likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose.
DOH-Pasco: New Port Richey Clinic
10841 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654
Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
DOH-Pasco Dade City Clinic
13941 15th Street
Dade City, FL 33525
Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
DOH-Pasco Wesley Chapel Clinic
33845 FL-54
Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
Monday AND Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Call 727-619-0300 Option 1 for more information on Naloxone in Pasco County.
Naloxone kits are free, and no appointment is necessary. People using Naloxone receive educational material, referrals, and connections for substance abuse intervention.
The Florida Department of Health is working with the Florida Department of Children and Families through the Overdose Prevention Program, or iSaveFL, which facilitates the distribution of Naloxone kits to families, friends, and caregivers of those at risk for an opioid overdose. This effort complements the Florida Department of Health’s HEROS (Helping Emergency Responders Obtain Support) program that provides free Naloxone to emergency response agencies.
This initiative is part of the state’s response to the overdose crisis. This month, Governor Ron DeSantis launched the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) program – the first of its kind in the nation – to provide comprehensive and sustainable care to those affected by substance use disorder.
Where is substance use disorder assistance available?
For questions regarding potential overdoses and other drug-related exposures, Florida’s Poison Control Centers are a valuable resource to individuals throughout Florida, including emergency personnel. Poison Control Centers are staffed by health care professionals that are specifically trained to treat drug overdoses or assess patients exposed to drugs of abuse. Medical toxicologists are available 24/7 for physician consultations. For poisoning questions or emergencies, call 1-800-222-1222. Visit the website at floridapoisoncontrol.org.
The Hope for Healing website is a tool for Floridians to access help for mental health and substance abuse. The Hope for Healing initiative focuses on helping Floridians find resources in challenging times through state and local partnerships using evidence-based best practices and addressing the stigma associated with seeking help. The site aggregates federal, state, local, private sector, faith-based, and non-profit resources. Learn more here.
About the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov
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