The Opioid Crisis

New Hampshire is one of the states hardest hit by the opioid epidemic:

The State is counted amongst the nation's top five states with the highest rates of opioid-involved deaths. In 2020 the State experienced an opioid overdose death rate of 26.9 per 100,000 in 2020, which was significantly higher than the national average of 21.4 deaths per 100,000.
Hundreds more of the State's residents were rushed to emergency rooms or revived by EMS and other first responders trained to administer naloxone and other overdose antidotes.

New Hampshire Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General (retrieved: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news/2022/20220726-pharmacies-suit.htm#:~:text=The%20State%20is%20counted%20amongst,of%2021.4%20deaths%20per%20100%2C000.)

Avoid OverdoseYou can help someone who is at risk of an opioid overdose. If you use opioids or have friends or family members who do, having naloxone (Narcan) on hand and knowing how to use it can save a life.

Providers: expanded Narcan access can save lives - NH Business ReviewFDA announces Narcan nasal spray can be sold OTC without a prescription

Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is the medication that reverses an opioid overdose. This medication is now available for purchase over-the-counter in our local pharmacies (no prescription required)! The link at the left provides a map that can help you locate Naloxone for purchase as well as through the state-run "Doorway" program for treatment & access.

Fentanyl overdose deaths 'skyrocketing' in New Hampshire; first responders issue warningsFentanyl, either taken by itself or mixed with another drug, accounts for 259 of New Hampshire's 297 overdose deaths so far in 2023.

As part of my emergency preparedness here at NFS, I stock Naloxone along with other life-saving treatments such as epinephrine and an automatic external defibrillator. I am ready for an opioid emergency and I want to encourage you to consider hit the button on the right to take an online training to help you prepare for an opioid emergency!

Become a Community First Responder!