NCHRC’s overdose prevention program was founded in 2013. It was the first statewide community-based naloxone distribution program for people who use drugs in the US south. Since 2013, we have distributed over 224,000 naloxone kits and received over 27,000 reports of successful overdose reversals using our naloxone kits — which means that over 27,000 times, someone let us know that a naloxone kit they got from NCHRC was used to stop an overdose while it was happening and potentially save a life.
Information for Individuals Seeking NaloxoneNCHRC distributes naloxone for free directly to people who are at highest risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose, and who are less likely to be able to access naloxone through other means such as a health department, pharmacy, or healthcare provider.
You qualify to receive a free naloxone kit from NCHRC if any of the following match your experience:
- You are actively using drugs
- You are in recovery from drug use (including by using medications for opioid use disorder like methadone or buprenorphine)
- You sell drugs
- You do sex work
- You live in the same household as someone who is actively using drugs
- You have recently come home from jail, prison, or detox
- You are transgender
If any of these match your experience, follow the steps below to get a free naloxone kit.
First check to see if there is a syringe services program in the county where you live. If there is an SSP in your county, you can get naloxone from them. All SSPs in NC are required to distribute naloxone or refer you to somewhere that does.
If there is NOT an SSP in your county, you can receive free intramuscular naloxone through the mail via NCHRC’s partnership with NEXT Distro. To request a free intramuscular naloxone kit through the mail go to: https://nextdistro.org/ncgate. Just click on “I cannot access naloxone in my community” and follow the prompts from there.
If you need help navigating the process of getting naloxone, you can text Loftin at 919-370-0671. We are glad you are taking this step to keep you and your loved ones safe!
If you are someone who does not have one of those higher risk experiences, but would still like to have naloxone on hand, there are still options for you.
First, check to see if your local health department distributes naloxone. If so, you can pick up a kit from them for free.
You can also check to see if a pharmacy close to you participates in the statewide standing order for naloxone. This means that you can purchase a naloxone kit from the pharmacy without an individual prescription, and Medicaid or private insurance will often cover it with a typical co-pay.
As of summer 2023, nasal naloxone is also available over the counter at many pharmacies. A kit will typically cost around $45.
Information for Organizations Seeking Naloxone
NCHRC supports the goal of any organization who wants to improve community access to naloxone by distributing it. However, NCHRC’s community-based overdose prevention program distributes naloxone directly to community members who meet our distribution criteria, not to other organizations or to medical providers.
If the organization you work for is looking for naloxone to distribute in the community, here are some options to explore:
The NC Department of Health and Human Services periodically has funds available for the purchase of nasal narcan kits for organizations to distribute in the community. Keep an eye on the survey link at the bottom of this page where organizations can submit a request for free kits: https://naloxonesaves.org/where-can-i-get-naloxone/.
Check with your local health department to see if they have the capacity to supply local organizations with naloxone to distribute.
Check with your local LME/MCO to see if they have the capacity to supply local organizations with naloxone to distribute.
If your organization operates a safety net health clinic which sees patients regardless of ability to pay (such as a federally-qualified health center), your organization might qualify to be Direct Relief partners, and could receive free intramuscular naloxone for distribution through their medication donation program when supplies are available.
If your organization plans to purchase naloxone for distribution, generic intramuscular naloxone is a far more affordable option for naloxone distribution than nasal narcan. Remedy Alliance is a nonprofit wholesaler which has tiered, affordable pricing options for health departments and community based organizations: https://remedyallianceftp.org/