Take-home naloxone kits are now available at community pharmacies throughout British Columbia, the provincial government announced today.
As part of the expansion of the Take Home Naloxone Program, about 1,900 kits have been distributed to 220 pharmacies for the first time this month, including pharmacies in London Drugs and Save On Foods, as well as other independent pharmacies.
The announcement was made today by Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy.
To receive a free naloxone kit, British Columbians can visit a participating pharmacy and talk to a pharmacist to determine their eligibility.
No-cost kits are available for people who use opioids or are likely to witness and respond to an overdose. To ensure privacy, identifying information about the person receiving the kit is not tracked.
"Take-home naloxone kits are a key harm-reduction measure in our multi-pronged approach to combat the overdose crisis and have saved countless lives," said Dr. Jane Buxton, BC Centre for Disease Control harm reduction lead, in a media release.
"Through this new collaboration, naloxone will now be readily available at more locations, making it easier for people to look out for each other and be safer."
The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions says all of the province's pharmacies are being encouraged to participate. No-charge naloxone kits also continue to be available at harm-reduction sites, local health units, hospital emergency departments, corrections facilities and First Nations sites.
To find a pharmacy offering take-home naloxone kits, go here. Online naloxone training is available through towardtheheart.com.
