The District is doubling the number of locations where the opioid overdose medication Naloxone will be available for free.

The program, which provides free Naloxone kits without the need for a prescription or ID, was first introduced in 2018 and began last year. It started with 17 locations, but it’s expanding to 35 with locations in every ward. That includes CVS, Walgreens, and other pharmacies.

The nasal spray, also known by its brand name NARCAN, does not require a needle (unlike earlier versions of Naloxone) and is available in pre-measured doses to reduce potential dosing errors.

The increased availability is in response to a 50% increase in opioid-related deaths in 2020, including a record high of 47 in April, according to the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health. Those numbers are expected to continue to rise.

“Naloxone should be near at hand like any life-saving medication,” Barbara J. Bazron, Director of D.C. Department of Behavioral Health, said in a press release. “Keeping alive people who face drug addiction also keeps alive the hope and chance for treatment and recovery from this chronic illness.”

The District is also introducing a text service where residents can text “LiveLongDC” to 888-111 and they’ll receive information about where to find the nearest location of a free Naloxone kit.

In the past, the District has distributed kits through Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the police department, faith leaders, and community organizations.

Opioid overdose rates are rising across the country. Experts believe this is related to the increased usage of fentanyl in synthetic opioids and the coronavirus pandemic. Mental health issues can also increase dependence on drugs, and social isolation leaves no one to administer the life-saving medication if needed, experts say.

Overdose deaths in the District have also generally increased since 2014. During that time, 75% of people who died from opioid overdose were between 40 and 69 years old; about 70% were male and 84% were Black, according to D.C.’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. That mirrors nationwide trends.

Wards 7 and 8, where 92% of residents are Black, have so far accounted for nearly half of D.C.’s opioid-related deaths in 2020.

Previously: 

Bowser Releases Plan To Combat D.C.’s Opioid Crisis
Some D.C. Pharmacies Will Give Out Free Naloxone As Part Of A New Pilot Program