Lifesaving Narcan

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Narcan or Naloxone is life-saving medication that can quickly reverse an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids (heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breathing has slowed, or even stopped, as a result of opioid overdose. More than one dose of naloxone may be required when stronger opioids like fentanyl are involved. It comes in two forms that anyone can use without medical training or authorization: nasal spray and injectable. 

Overdose signs

Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for:

  • Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
  • Falling asleep or losing consciousness
  • Slow, weak, or no breathing
  • Choking or gurgling sounds
  • Limp body
  • Cold and/or clammy skin
  • Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)

What to do?

It may be hard to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren't sure, treat it like an overdose - you could save a life.  Further, per the New Mexico Good Samaritan Law, "no person who shall administer emergency care in good faith at or near the scene of an emergency ... shall be held liable for any civil damages as a result of any action or omission by such person in administering said care, except for gross negligence...."

Step 1.Call 911 immediately.

Step 2.Administer naloxone, if available.

(Instructional videos included below)

Step 3.Try to keep the person awake and breathing 

Step 4.Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.

Step 5.Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.

 

Where to get it?

Anyone can carry Narcan, give it to someone experiencing an overdose, and potentially save a life.  In Los Alamos County, you can get it and testing strips now, for free, at these locations: 

Social Services Office: 1183 Diamond Drive, Suite E (Mon – Fri, 9 am – 4 pm)

Health Commons: 1183 Diamond Drive, Suite D (Mon - Fri, 8 am – 4:30pm)

Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse: 174 Central Park Square

Mon - Tue: 10 am – 4 pm

Wed - Sat: 10 am – 6 pm

Sun: 10 am – 2 pm

Project Y Co-working space: 150 Central Park Square (Mon - Fri: 8 am – 5 pm)

LA Cares (for people seeking food distribution): Call for distribution days and times

Los Alamos Visitor Center: 475 20th St Suite A, Los Alamos

Mon - Fri: 9 am – 5 pm;

Sat: 9 am – 4 pm;

Sun: 10 am – 3 pm 

White Rock Visitor Center: 115 NM-4, White Rock (Mon - Sun: 10 am – 2 pm)

Mesa Public Library: 2400 Central Ave, Los Alamos,

Mon - Thu: 10 am – 8 pm;

Fri: 10 am – 6 pm

Sat: 9 am – 5 pm

Sun: Closed

White Rock Library: 10 Sherwood Blvd, White Rock, NM 87544

Mon - Thu: 10 am – 8 pm;

Fri: 10 am – 6 pm

Sat: 9 am – 5 pm

Sun: 1 pm - 5 pm

 

Farmer’s Markets: Ashley Pond (Seasonal) Thursdays through October, 9 am – 12:30pm

Summer Concert series: Ashley Pond (Seasonal) at the Community Services table, Fridays from (approx. May through the end of August), 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Contact Us

Social Services Division

Phone: (505) 662-8068

Additional Info

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more information. 

 

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