OVERDOSE prevention

Unintentional injury (including drug overdose) is the leading cause of death for Americans under 50. According to 2021 CDC data, there were over 107,000 fatal overdoses in the United States. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl was involved in 86% of the 1,461 fatal overdoses that occurred in Connecticut in 2022.

Naloxone (Narcan) is the opioid overdose reversal medication that is safe, fast-acting, and easily administered usually as a nasal spray.

For training on how to prevent, identify & respond to an opioid overdose, contact QVHD at 203-248-4528 or info@qvhd.org

QVHD is offering a limited supply of free Naloxone (Narcan) kits to community members. Upon request, a QVHD team member will provide a brief educational session on how to recognize an overdose and use Narcan with confidence. To request a kit or learn more, call us at 203-248-4528.

  • Opioids are a class of narcotic medications commonly prescribed to relieve pain. Legal prescription opioids include Oxycontin, Codeine, Morphine, Vicodin, Demerol & Percocet.

    Illegal opioids include street drugs like heroin and synthetic opiates such as illicitly manufactured fentanyl & carfentanil.

    While prescription pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a short period of time, under a doctors supervision, they are often misused. Even regular use of prescribed opioids can result in dependence.

  • Opioids are intended to relieve pain, but when taken in excess they can suppress the body's natural drive to breathe. Combining opioids with alcohol and/or benzodiazepines can increase your risk for overdose as these substances also slow down the respiratory system.

  • A powerful synthetic opioid, fentanyl, which is 50-100x more potent than morphine, is being mixed into most street drugs (heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines’, counterfeit pills).

    Fentanyl is a major driver of recent opioid overdose deaths present in 86% of overdose deaths in CT in 2022.

  • The Good Samaritan law protects the person calling 9-1-1, the individual administering Naloxone, and the person experiencing a suspected overdose. It provides immunity from civil liability and criminal prosecution - despite the presence of illicit drugs or paraphernalia present on the scene.

    *Note: The Good Samaritan law does not protect someone from other charges or pre-existing warrants.

Overdose is preventable. overdose is reversible.

carry naloxone.

Naloxone

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is the lifesaving opioid overdose reversal drug. This revives the person, restoring their breathing & allowing time to access medical attention.

Naloxone nasal spray is the version you will typically receive from a pharmacist or community distributer.

Is Naloxone safe?

Naloxone has little to no side effects if given to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose. It is considered safe because it only works when an opioid is present within the body.

Where to get Naloxone:

  • Over the counter without a prescription for about $45 per box.

  • Through a prescription and with insurance coverage, most customers end up paying a small co-pay between $10-$25.

What happens to the body during an opioid overdose?

While overdose is increasingly prevalent throughout the United States, an overdose is both preventable and reversible.