The Superior Express -

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health, the Nebraska Pharmacists Association and Behavioral Health Region Systems are offering a Statewide Narcan Program that distributes free Narcan nasal spray kits in Nebraska. The program allows anyone who is a Nebraska resident to obtain Narcan for free, without a prescription at a participating pharmacy. There are currently 44 pharmacies participating in the program, and more are being added weekly.

Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone can restore normal breathing to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped because of opioids, including fentanyl, if given in time. Anyone can carry naloxone, administer it to someone experiencing an overdose, and potentially save a life. Naloxone won’t harm someone if they’re overdosing on drugs other than opioids, so it’s always best to use it if you think someone is overdosing. Common opioids include prescription medications used to treat pain, such as morphine, codeine, methadone, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and hydromorphone and illicit drugs like heroin.

“The number of participating pharmacies has almost doubled since July. We also have a new website, Stop Overdose Nebraska, that allows anyone to do a search by zip code to find a participating pharmacy in their area where they can obtain lifesaving Narcan, along with resources for treatment centers throughout Nebraska. We wanted to make it easy for Nebraskans to find where to get Narcan and where they can go for help. We encourage you to check it out at stopodne.com,” said Amy Holman, Nebraska Pharmacists Association Project coordinator.

If your pharmacy would like to enroll in the program so you can make sure the residents in your area have access to Narcan, contact Amy Holman, [email protected] or 402-420-1500. Getting set up is very easy.

Who should have naloxone? If you or someone you know is at increased risk for opioid overdose, especially those struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD), you should have naloxone. People who are taking high-dose pain medications prescribed by a doctor, people who use opioids and benzodiazepines together and people who use illicit opioids like heroin should all carry naloxone. Because you can’t use naloxone on yourself, let others know you have it in case you experience an opioid overdose.

Signs of opioid overdose, which is a life-threatening emergency, include the following:

• The face is extremely pale and clammy to the touch

• The body is limp

•Fingernails or lips have a blue or purple cast

• The person is vomiting or making gurgling noises

• The person cannot be awakened from sleep or cannot speak

• Breathing is very slow or stopped

• The pulse is very slow or stopped

What to do if you think someone is overdosing:

• Call 911 immediately

• Administer Narcan, if available. Administer a second dose if they don’t respond after 2-3 minutes.

• Try to keep the person awake and breathing

• Lay the person on their side to prevent choking

• Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.