Naloxone Saves Lives

Available without a physician's prescription, Naloxone (brand name: Narcan) is a safe and effective medication for all ages that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. Due to its lifesaving abilities, access to Naloxone is crucial. It is STRONGLY recommended that all family, friends, people who use drugs, and first responders are trained to recognize and respond to an overdose with naloxone.

This includes having Naloxone distribution programs in hospitals, treatment centers, and criminal justice settings. Upon release from these settings, an individual’s opioid tolerance is low, putting them at higher risk of an overdose. Naloxone distribution programs in these settings target individuals who are about to be released to provide education on responding to an overdose and provide naloxone kits.

The Riverside University Health System – Medical Center (RUHS – MC) has established a Naloxone Distribution Program (NDP) through the emergency department that makes naloxone – in the form of nasal Narcan – available to visitors for FREE. This is made possible by the Department of Health Care Services to curb overdose deaths, caused by opioids such as illicitly manufactured fentanyl and/or fentanyl derivatives ("fentanyls"). Any individual may present to the RUHS emergency department (26520 Cactus Ave, Moreno Valley, CA 92555), on any day at any hour, and request free take-home naloxone without having to provide any personal information. Since this naloxone is to be distributed without cost, no medical insurance is necessary. If interested or have any questions, please contact RUHSNaloxoneDistribution@RUHealth.org for additional information.

Learn how to Recognize and Respond to an Opioid Overdose

If you’re an individual interested in obtaining Naloxone and being trained, contact the Inland Empire Harm Reduction at (951) 446-0983. Naloxone may be available for purchase directly from a local pharmacy with cash or in some cases insurance.

If you’re a community organization seeking naloxone, you must have a prescription or a standing order for naloxone. A standing order can be obtained from the California Department of Public Health. Once a prescription or a standing order has been obtained, apply for FREE naloxone through the Naloxone Distribution Project.

Learn more here: Narcan Training Video