The need for Narcan: Here's where you can find this lifesaving drug in Wilmington
Every day, more than 11 North Carolinians die from a drug overdose, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). Opioids are a major contributing factor to this crisis.
In 2023, more than 9,000 people visited an emergency department in North Carolina for an opioid related overdose, according to the NCDHHS. By November of 2023, there were 83 opioid overdose related emergency department visits in New Hanover County alone.
Naloxone, commonly referred to as Narcan, is an emergency medication that can be a lifesaver when it comes to opioid overdose. Here's how it works and where you can find it in Wilmington.
More: Road to recovery: As more Wilmington residents seek treatment, police see fewer overdoses
What is Naloxone and how does it work?
Naloxone is a medication used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Naloxone is an "opioid antagonist," meaning "it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids," according to the NIDA.
The drug can restore normal breathing to those with opioids in their system. The medication is used in emergency situations to prevent fatality but it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder.
"Narcan is a great tool (for) reversing the overdose," said Rachel Crouse, New Hanover Clinical Director with the Coastal Horizons Center.
However, medical attention after administration is highly encouraged. "The naloxone may wear off," Crouse said, noting that someone may need repeat administrations and additional medical services.
Where is Naloxone available in Wilmington?
In 2015, North Carolina passed a standing order allowing "government and non-government organizations to prescribe naloxone to individuals they believe to be at risk," according to New Hanover County Health & Human Services. The standing order also protects anyone administering naloxone against legal action.
The following is a list of locations where you can receive naloxone locally or by mail:
Coastal Horizons Center
Provides naloxone distribution and training. Located at 615 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington.
Provides a list of pharmacies that offer naloxone in North Carolina sorted by county (22 pharmacies in Brunswick County, 39 pharmacies in New Hanover County, 10 pharmacies in Pender County.)
New Hanover County Health and Human Services
The Public Health Clinic supplies free Narcan during clinic hours, located at 1650 Greenfield St., Wilmington.
North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC)
Offers free overdose rescue kits to those at high risk of opioid overdose, located at 1308 Dock St., Wilmington. More information and contact details can be found on its website here.
The Healing Place of New Hanover County
A local nonprofit working with individuals affected by homelessness and addiction. Provides Narcan to those in need since February 2023. Located at 1000 Medical Center Drive, Wilmington.
Who should carry Naloxone?
In nearly 40% of overdose deaths, someone else was present, according to the CDC. In these cases, access to naloxone can be lifesaving.
If you or someone you know is at an increased risk for opioid overdose, you should carry naloxone with you and keep it in your home, as recommended by the CDC. This includes people who take high dose opioid medications prescribed by a doctor.
Because naloxone cannot be self-administered, let others know you have the medication in case of an overdose.
While carrying naloxone is particularly important for those with known opioid use, anyone can carry the medication as an overdose-prevention measure.
More: Man charged with assault after allegedly exposing New Hanover officers to opioids
What are the signs of an opioid overdose?
Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose is crucial for saving lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares the following overdose warning signs and symptoms:
Small, constricted 'pinpoint pupils.'
Falling asleep or loss of consciousness.
Slow, shallow breathing.
Choking or gurgling sounds.
Limp body.
Pale, blue, or cold skin.
If you witness someone who appears to be experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately, lay the person on their side, and administer naloxone if available.
How is Naloxone properly administered?
Naloxone can be given as a nasal spray or injected into the muscle, under the skin, or into the veins, according to the NIDA.
Mayo Clinic provides the following directions when administering the nasal spray medication:
Remove the nasal spray from the box. Peel back the tab with the circle to open it.
Do not prime or test the nasal spray. It contains a single dose of naloxone and cannot be reused.
Hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
Lay the patient on their back. Support the patient's neck by your hand and allow the head to tilt back before giving this medicine.
Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril of the patient, until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the patient's nose.
Press the plunger firmly to give the dose. Remove the nasal spray from the patient's nostril after giving the dose.
Move the patient on their side (recovery position) after giving the medicine and get emergency medical help right away.
Watch the patient closely. You may also give additional doses to the patient every 2 to 3 minutes until the patient responds or emergency medical assistance becomes available.
For the injection route, Mayo Clinic provides the following instructions:
Inject the medicine into the outer thighs, through clothing, if needed. If you are giving this medicine to a child younger than 1 year of age, you should pinch the thigh muscle while giving the medicine.
Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy, discolored, or has large particles in it.
This medicine can only be used one time. Do not remove the safety guard until you are ready to use it.
After giving the first dose to the patient, get emergency medical help right away.
Closely watch the patient for signs and symptoms of opioid emergency may return after several minutes.
Give a new naloxone injection every 2 to 3 minutes if symptoms returned and monitor the patient until emergency medical assistance becomes available.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Where to find Narcan in Wilmington, NC
