Narcan Saves Lives: How to Get Free Naloxone in Ashland, KY and Online 2025
What Is Narcan and Why It Matters
Narcan is the brand name for naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses by restoring breathing. It works on heroin, fentanyl, prescription pain medications, and methadone. Narcan is safe, non-addictive, and easy to use, most commonly as a nasal spray.
Overdose doesn’t just happen to “other people.” It can happen to anyone who uses opioids, especially in today’s fentanyl-contaminated drug supply. Having Narcan nearby can be the difference between life and death.
How Narcan Saves Lives
During an opioid overdose, breathing slows or stops. Narcan quickly knocks opioids off the brain’s receptors, allowing breathing to restart. Effects are often seen within 2–3 minutes.
Important things to know:
Narcan does not cause harm if opioids aren’t present
It won’t get someone “high”
It can be given by anyone—no medical training required
Multiple doses may be needed with fentanyl
Narcan buys time. It keeps someone alive long enough for emergency help to arrive.
Who Should Carry Narcan
You don’t need to use opioids yourself to carry Narcan. It’s recommended for:
People who use opioids (prescribed or not)
Friends, family, and partners of people who use opioids
People in recovery
Anyone using substances alone
Community members, coworkers, and neighbors
Carrying Narcan is an act of care.
Where to Get Free Narcan in Ashland, KY
Free Narcan is available locally with no appointment, no insurance, and no judgment.
Ashland–Boyd County Health Department
📍 2924 Holt Street, Ashland, KY 41101
📞 (606) 324-7181
🕘 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
The health department provides free naloxone and overdose prevention education to the community.
Ultimate Treatment Center
📍 3655 Winchester Ave, Ashland, KY 41101
📞 606-393-4632
🚶 Walk-in anytime for free Narcan
🕔 Monday–Friday, 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
You do not need to be a patient to receive Narcan. Walk in, ask, and leave prepared.
Online & Mail-Based Access to Free Narcan
If you can’t make it to a local site or prefer privacy, free Narcan can be mailed directly to your home.
NEXT Distro (Kentucky Program)
NEXT Distro offers:
Online overdose reversal training
Mail-based naloxone distribution
Discreet delivery to your home anywhere in kentucky
🔗 Visit: https://nextdistro.org/kychoice
Fill out the form to request Narcan by mail, no insurance required.
What to Do After Using Narcan
Narcan works temporarily. After giving it:
Call 911 immediately
Stay with the person
Give chest compressions if trained
Additional narcan doses may be needed
Be aware that withdrawal symptoms (nausea, agitation) can occur
Using Narcan is a medical emergency response, not a replacement for follow-up care.
Narcan and Ongoing Care
Saving a life is the first step. Long-term support reduces the risk of future overdose. Options include:
Medication for opioid use disorder (like methadone or buprenorphine)
Mental health care and counseling
Harm-reduction services
Peer and community support
At ultimate treatment center, we help people explore these options at their own pace.
