Knowing how to quickly and effectively administer Narcan has become a must-know life-saving technique, right up there with the Heimlich Maneuver and CPR.
Most people know that naloxone, a medication commonly called Narcan, reverses the effect of an opioid overdose.
But where do you get Narcan and how do you use it?
Deschutes County Health Services has got you.
The agency has teamed up with downtown coffee shop Almadorada to host “Save a Life Day,” a naloxone pop-up on Sept. 24, beginning at noon.
The pop-up is part of “Save A Life Day,” a nationwide campaign that helps people recognize and reverse opioid overdoses. Folks can pick up free nasal spray naloxone during the event.
Deschutes Health Services launched the Friends for Life Deschutes in January 2025, a local campaign that encourages everyday people to carry naloxone, recognize when someone’s experiencing an opioid overdose and act quickly.
Much stronger than morphine or heroin, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that first appeared as a prescription pain medicine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Fentanyl is also very addictive, causing changes in brain activity that prompt people to continue using even as harmful things to their life, health and others begin happening.
According to the Friends for Life Deschutes website, a symptom of opioid overdose includes difficulty waking up, even when a person’s name is called and they’re firmly shaken. Someone’s complexion may be turning blue, gray, or purple and may appear ashen or feel cold to the touch. Also, very slow breathing — or none at all — are tell-tale signs that someone needs emergency attention, according to the campaign.
Beyond the pop-up event, Naloxone is available at local drug stores for about $40 per nasal spray cartridge and doesn’t require a prescription. There are also self-serve Narcan cabinets with 24/7 access at 685 SE 3rd St. in Bend and 51340 Highway 97 in La Pine.
For more information, visit Friendsforlifedeschutes.org.
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