Harm Reduction
Naloxone
Naloxone (also known as Narcan®) is a prescription medicine that reverses an opioid overdose. If administered in time, naloxone can save the life of an individual suffering from an overdose. Naloxone is safe and effective, and can easily be obtained to protect yourself or a loved one.
Where can I find Naloxone?
Over 200 pharmacies in Colorado carry naloxone and it can be made available to you by prescription. Ask your pharmacist about naloxone or click on the map provided by Stop the Clock Colorado to find a pharmacy near you that has standing orders to dispense naloxone.
How do I administer Naloxone?
Be sure to read the directions on any naloxone prescription you receive and ask your pharmacist for clarification if needed. With all forms of naloxone, it is important to be mindful of the expiration date. Naloxone may be prescribed as either a nasal spray or muscle injection.
- Video on how to administer nasal spray Naloxone
- Video on how to administer injectable Naloxone
For more information on harm reduction, visit the Harm Reduction Action Center.
Aurora Syringe Access Services
Injecting drugs can lead to infections such as HIV and Hepatitis C Virus. Tri-County's Aurora Syringe Access Services (ASAS) can reduce these infections by providing people who inject drugs with sterile, safer injection supplies and safe disposal of needles. ASAS can also refer clients to substance abuse treatment and prevent overdose by providing Naloxone. More information.
Colorado's Good Samaritan Law
Drug overdose deaths are preventable if victims receive timely help. However, the fear of punishment often deters witnesses from calling for help. In 2012, Colorado implemented Senate Bill 12-020 "The Good Samaritan Law" to encourage witnesses to call for medical help during emergency overdose situations. The law provides limited legal protection from drug charges for those who call 911 for help. It also protects persons suffering an opioid overdose; rather than being arrested or prosecuted, they are referred to the proper treatment programs. Learn more.
Youth Prevention
Two Colorado organizations, Speak Now Colorado and Rise Above Colorado, offer expanded resources for parents, educators, and youth about the dangers of substance use. Visit Speak Now Colorado for resources including:
- Parent Information including how to talk to your child or teen about substance use and signs and symptoms of high risk behavior.
- Community Resources including tool kits, fact sheets, and social media graphics.
- Education Materials about youth and substance use
Visit Rise Above Colorado for resources including:
- Teen Focused Content on prescription drug use
- Educator Resources including reaction questions, reflection worksheets and activities