In 2016, Alaska passed legislation that helped increase access to naloxone, the life-saving medication used in response to an opioid overdose. With the help of the State of Alaska’s Project HOPE, ANTHC provides Narcan® opioid overdose response kits via iknowmine.org to Alaska-based addresses. These kits contain two doses of Narcan® Nasal Spray (naloxone) that can save a person’s life in the event of an opioid overdose.
How to get Narcan® opioid overdose response kits:
- Complete the Opioid Overdose Recognition and Response Training. The online training module takes about 15 minutes to complete.
- Email your completion certificate to store@iknowmine.org.
- Place an order for a free Narcan® Kit at Order Resources & Supplies.
- Or, visit a Project HOPE distribution site in your community.
What’s in the kit?
The overdose response kit includes:
- 2 Narcan® Nasal Spray (naloxone) doses and instructions
- Fentanyl test strip and instructions
- Gloves
- Face shield for CPR rescue breathing
What is Narcan® (naloxone)?
Narcan® Nasal Spray (naloxone) is a medicine used for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. Naloxone may counteract the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone knocks opioids and heroin off the brain’s opioid receptors, reversing the effects of the opioid and allowing the person to breathe again. To learn more about this opioid overdose medication, visit the product website at narcan.com. Use Narcan® Nasal Spray in accordance with the Instructions for Use.
What are signs of an opioid overdose?
Any of the following are signs of an overdose:
- Face is clammy to touch and has lost color. Center part of eyes are very small (sometimes called “pinpoint pupils”).
- Body is limp.
- Fingernails are slightly blue or purple
- Sleep is deep and person cannot be woken. Will not respond to your voice or touch.
- Breathing is slow or has stopped.
- Heartbeat is slow or has stopped.
What are opioids?
Opioids include many prescription pain relievers. Heroin, an illegal drug, is also an opioid. Fentanyl is a legally prescribed opioid that is also frequently produced illegally in the black market. Made from the opium poppy plant, or produced artificially to have a similar effect, all opioids affect the brain’s regions that produce feelings of reward. Opioids activate the brain’s opioid receptors and reduce pain by attaching to these receptors, reducing the perception of pain.
