- Naloxone (Narcan) Program Intro
The St. Joseph County Department of Health is unveiling new naloxone (Narcan) boxes, which will be placed at nearly two dozen locations throughout the county. Naloxone is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses rapidly. With the increase in synthetic drugs across the country, there is a great need for this potentially lifesaving medication in our community. A life saved can be a life restored. We are grateful to provide this resource to the county in an effort to support our community and ultimately encourage substance use treatment. Naloxone can be easily administered to a person experiencing an overdose but cannot be self-administered. The widespread availability of naloxone can make a difference for someone experiencing an overdose.
- FAQs
Narcan FAQ’s
What is substance use disorder?
- Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is commonly referred to as "addiction." It is a disease that impacts 1 in 12 Hoosiers and changes the way the brain's reward system functions, leaving people unable to control their use of illegal or legally prescribed drugs.
What is an opioid?
- "Opioids" is an umbrella term for natural or synthetic drugs that are derived from - or related to - the opium plant. Commonly prescribed opioids include Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone. Opioids often obtained for illicit use include Fentanyl and Heroin.
Who is at risk for overdose?
- Anyone! Substance use disorders do not discriminate. Those at a higher risk include children, the elderly, individuals experiencing homelessness, anyone prescribed opioids, and individuals coming out of jail or substance use treatment programs.
How do I know if someone is experiencing an opioid overdose?
- Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose include extreme drowsiness or unresponsiveness, pinpoint pupils, snoring or gurgling sounds coming from the mouth, blue lips and/or fingernails, shallow, slowed, or absent breathing, and cold or clammy skin.
What is Naloxone?
- Naloxone is a medication that can be administered through the nose to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is non-addictive and causes no harm to the individual receiving it, even if they aren't actually in an active overdose or have used a substance other than opioids.
How does Naloxone work?
- Naloxone is a nasal spray that gets administered directly into either nostril. Hold the device with your thumb at the bottom of the plunger, insert the nozzle into either nostril, and press the plunger firmly to administer the dose. If the individual is still not responsive 2-3 minutes after the first dose, additional doses can be given every few minutes until the person becomes responsive. Call 911 immediately after the first dose is administered.
Who is allowed to give Naloxone?
- Anyone can administer Naloxone in the event of a suspected opioid overdose. As long as the individual calls 911 immediately after giving Naloxone and cooperates with first responders, they will be protected by law.
What substance use treatment options are available in St. Joseph County?
- Oaklawn: 415 E. Madison St., South Bend, IN 46617
- Life Treatment Center: 1402 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46613
- Indiana Center for Recovery: 215 W. 4th St., Mishawaka, IN 46544
- Avenues Recovery Center: 60205 Bodnar Blvd. Mishawaka, IN 46544
- YWCA: 1102 Fellows St., South Bend, IN 46601
*For the most up-to-date information about substance use treatment in St. Joseph County, please call 211.
- Map of Naloxone Box Locations
