TAMPA, FLA – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County 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.

Increasing access to naloxone is a key component in battling the opioid epidemic. Providing naloxone to the public will help prevent overdose deaths in Florida.

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-Hillsborough 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.

Naloxone kits are available at the following locations Monday thru Friday, 8:00am–4:00pm:

Specialty Care Center | 1105 E. Kennedy Blvd.
University Area Health Center | 13601 N. 22nd St.
Sulphur Springs Health Center | 8605 N. Mitchell Ave.
Tuberculosis Center | 8515 N. Mitchell Ave.

Call 813-307-8000 for more information on naloxone in Hillsborough County.

Naloxone kits are free, and no appointment is necessary. People using Naxolone receive educational material, referrals, and connections for substance abuse intervention.

To learn more, or if you are suffering from the affects of substance abuse, visit iSaveFL.

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DOH-Hillsborough 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 @DOHHillsborough and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.