Allen County Public Health began mailing Narcan kits earlier this year.
File photo | The Lima News
LIMA — Residents at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose can order free naloxone kits through the mail.
Allen County Public Health started distributing the overdose-reversal medication through the mail in February, expanding its efforts to make naloxone easily available to anyone who may need it.
Naloxone, also known by its brand name Narcan, is a nasal spray that restores breathing by reversing the effects of an overdose caused by opioids such as fentanyl, heroin and prescription pain medications.
Allen County Public Health gave away nearly 2,000 Narcan kits to the public last year through Project DAWN, short for Deaths Avoided with Naloxone, a statewide public health initiative to prevent overdose fatalities.
The health department is on track to distribute even more kits this year, with 1,450 Narcan kits given away through the end of June.
“We’ve seen more of a community readiness to have Narcan available as first aid,” said Sarah Misiakiewicz, Project DAWN coordinator for Allen County Public Health.
Health department staff regularly partner with treatment clinics, medical offices, event organizers and first responders in Allen County to get naloxone into the hands of people who need it most, free of charge.
The kits are also available for pickup at the health department office, located at 219 E. Market St., Lima, or through the mail to any Ohio address. Mail orders may be made online at bit.ly/3xPbfFz.
