Drug Overdose Prevention

Related Topics

Contact Info
Injury and Violence Prevention Section
health.injuryprevention@state.mn.us

Contact Info

Injury and Violence Prevention Section
health.injuryprevention@state.mn.us

Naloxone

Naloxone (also known as Narcan®) is a lifesaving drug that can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes. If given in time, naloxone can save lives, and anyone who uses drugs — or who has loved ones who may use drugs — should have it on hand in case of an overdose. 

Icon of Minnesota outline.

Naloxone Finder

Use the Naloxone Finder to find free naloxone providers near you. 

Icon of United States.

SSP Calendar

View the SSP Network Calendar to find statewide harm reduction resources (including naloxone) for free. 

Icon of camera.

Harm Reduction

Learn how Harm Reduction strategies make sense and save lives. 

Icon of data chart.

Naloxone Training

Find Naloxone Training resources for medical providers, schools, law enforcement, and more. 

Icon of data chart.

Standing Order and Protocol

To secure a standing order protocol to legally distribute naloxone in Minnesota, visit Naloxone Portal and Standing Order. 

Icon of microscope.

Naloxone Portal

Eligible groups may order naloxone for free on the Naloxone Portal and Standing Order. 

What is naloxone and how does it work?

Typically administered as a muscle injection or nasal spray, naloxone works by temporarily disabling an opioid’s harmful effects to the brain. The goal of naloxone is to allow an overdose victim to resume healthy breathing, not necessarily to wake them up to full consciousness. It is only effective against opioid overdoses, but it is harmless if given to someone experiencing another health episode. 

The effects of naloxone wear off after 30-45 minutes, and depending on the amount of opioids in the victim's body, additional naloxone may be needed. Giving more naloxone than is necessary can cause precipitated withdrawal symptoms. Wait 5 minutes between doses to give the naloxone time to take effect. 

Naloxone Mandate for Mandated Groups

In the 2023 legislative session, the Minnesota Legislature mandated the carrying of naloxone hydrochloride, an opiate or opioid antagonist that reverses opioid overdoses, to select groups in the state, expanding access to the medication as an intervention to prevent opioid overdose deaths in Minnesota.

The Naloxone Portal and Standing Order is available to eligible groups. 

In the event of a suspected overdose, administer naloxone every time, no matter what, and call 911 immediately.

Opioids, such as fentanyl, have increasingly been mixed with other non-opioid drugs including: xylazine, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Although non-opioids do not respond directly to naloxone, the opioids that these substances are combined with will respond to naloxone.

Anyone who uses drugs — or who has loved ones or neighbors who may use drugs — should have naloxone on hand in case of an overdose. You never know when you might need to save a life. 

It is legal to carry and administer naloxone. Minnesota's Good Samaritan Law, also known as Steve’s Law, protects someone who administers naloxone and calls 911 in good faith from prosecution, even if they are using drugs when the overdose occurs.

Carrying naloxone can save the life of a friend, loved one, or even a complete stranger. Just as you would carry an EpiPen for allergies, you can carry a naloxone kit that could save your life or someone else’s life in an emergency. It is important to note, however, that you cannot administer naloxone on yourself.

Watch the The Importance of Naloxone in Reversing Opioid Overdose video to learn about the signs of an opioid overdose, more about naloxone and an overview of how to administer it. Remember, this is not a training video but you can receive training at any of the locations that provide naloxone.

You can find naloxone at pharmacies, syringe service programs, and other harm reduction groups. All of these included on the Naloxone Finder map to find the nearest location. You can call or go to your preferred pharmacy and ask if they carry naloxone or Narcan®. If they do not, ask them to adopt a naloxone protocol. Check out our Naloxone Partners for more places to find naloxone.

Insurance coverage can vary based on type of carrier when purchasing at a pharmacy. Naloxone is available at no cost at syringe service programs and harm reduction organizations listed on the SSP Network Calendar.

Statewide Community-based Organizations
As a part of the State Targeted Response (STR) Grants through Department of Human Services (DHS), organizations were awarded funds to provide Naloxone overdose training and kits free of charge. The following community-based organizations provide naloxone training and kits free of charge:

Tags
Last Updated: 09/19/2025