Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reduce deaths from opioid overdoses. This toolkit helps guide local health departments, harm reduction agencies, and other community-based organizations through the process of implementing a Naloxone Distribution Program.

In North Carolina, state law allows community organizations to distribute naloxone (see NC General Statute 90-12.7(c1)). Recently, Session Law 2023-65 was signed into law, amending the naloxone law to provide protection for the prescribing, dispensing, distribution, and administration of over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone, similar to the protections already provided for prescription naloxone. North Carolina has been a national leader in the community distribution of naloxone, particularly through the efforts of syringe services programs and other community partners. The state was also the first to implement an EMS naloxone leave-behind program, where EMS personnel provide free naloxone kits to individuals who decline transport to the hospital after an overdose.

In 2025, we distributed 33 Naloxone kits, 2 Xylazine and 3 Fentanyl testing strips to the community. 

As of now, we distributed 8 Naloxone kits, 13 Xylazine and 16 Fentanyl testing striping to the community. There's an increase in the Fentanyl and Xylazine because we display it at the front lobby for people to take as they need without having to ask staff to get it for them.