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 Opioid Overdose Response Kits via iknowmine.org to Alaska-based addresses. These kits contain naloxone nasal spray that can save a person’s life in the event of an opioid overdose.
How can you get Overdose Response Kits?
- Complete the Opioid Overdose Recognition and Response Training and knowledge check. The online training takes about 15 minutes to complete.
- Submit the training verification form.
- Receive an email with your certificate of completion.
- Order a kit at www.iknowmine.org/shop.
- Or, visit a Project HOPE distribution site.
- If you are located outside of Alaska, please visit www.nextdistro.org to find a distribution site near you.
What’s in the kit?
Included in the kit:
- Naloxone nasal spray – two doses
- Gloves
- Face shield for CPR rescue breathing
- Fentanyl test strip
- Instructions
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication 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. Narcan® and Kloxxado® are brand names of the medication.
What are the 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.
