Algoma Public Health
Naloxone
What is naloxone
The Good Samaritan Act
Where can I get naloxone
Naloxone distribution to community agencies
Naloxone is a safe medication that temporarily reverses the effects of opioids.
NALOXONE DOES NOT REVERSE AN OVERDOSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.
Naloxone can be given by a spray into the nose or by an injection into the muscle. Naloxone takes between 2 - 5 minutes to work and can last in the body for 20-90 minutes.
Having the ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, and having access to a naloxone kit, can save someone’s life.
Naloxone kits DO NOT replace the need for emergency services; calling 911 is still necessary.
If you suspect someone is overdosing, and you are unsure of what they have taken, you will do no harm by giving naloxone. Side effects are extremely rare.
Calling 911 is critical – once the naloxone wears off, the person is still at risk of overdosing again.
The Good Samaritan Act
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose. If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 and administer naloxone if available. Stay with the person until help arrives.
Where can I get naloxone?
- You can get free naloxone kits from participating pharmacies and community agencies across Algoma.
- All Algoma Public Health offices also distribute free naloxone kits to people at risk of overdose or their friends and families who may be in a position to help in an overdose situation You do not need to show your health card.
If you are currently using opioids, or know a friend or family member that is using opioids, consider getting trained in overdose recognition and prevention and get a free naloxone kit.
| Location | When |
|
Sault Ste. Marie Algoma Public Health 294 Willow Avenue |
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 12:30PM - 4:00PM If this time does not work for you, please call your local Algoma Public Health office and we can schedule an appointment. |
| Sault Ste. Marie Community Resource Centre 721 Wellington Street East. |
Monday - Friday 1PM - 4PM |
|
Blind River 9 Lawton Street |
Friday
If this time does not work for you, please call your local Algoma Public Health office and we can schedule an appointment. |
| Elliot Lake
Algoma Public Health |
Friday
If this time does not work for you, please call your local Algoma Public Health office and we can schedule an appointment. |
|
Wawa Algoma Public Health |
Drop In |
Naloxone Distribution Program
The Ontario Naloxone Program, a program of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), has designated public health units in Ontario as naloxone distribution leads for eligible community agencies to increase the distribution of naloxone to those most at risk of opioid overdose.
Eligible Naloxone Distribution Sites Include:
- Community Health Centres (including Aboriginal Health Access Centres)
- AIDS Service Organizations • Shelters • Withdrawal Management Programs
- Outreach Programs
To qualify, your agency must:
- Work directly with populations at risk of opioid overdose through harm reduction programming, outreach and/or social determinants of health;
- Reach a difficult to reach (priority) population not otherwise served where there is known opioid activity;
- Demonstrate staff capacity to manage naloxone distribution and training clients, inventory and reporting to Algoma Public Health as the Ontario Naloxone Program distribution lead.
If your agency is interested in applying, or hearing more about the Naloxone Distribution Program, please call 705-942-4646 or email naloxone@algomapublichealth.com.
>>Return to opioids and overdose.
Date Created: August 21, 2017
Last Updated: February 14, 2024