Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is the process of providing lifesaving materials to people who actively use substances, have friends or family who use substances, or are at risk for using substances.
Naloxone (Narcan)
What is Narcan?
Narcan, also referred to as Naloxone, is a lifesaving medication that can reverse an opioid-related overdose within 2-3 minutes if administered in time. Due to the effectiveness and simplicity of Narcan, medical training is not required to inject or administer via nasal spray.
Who should carry Narcan?
- Anyone at risk for opioid overdose, especially if you have an opioid use disorder
- People taking high-dose prescription opioid medications
- If you have a friend or family member that actively uses opioids
- Fire/EMS/LEOs
It is important to note that you cannot use Narcan on yourself, so if you are carrying it, please let others know in case you experience an opioid overdose. Per the CDC, around 40% of overdoses occur with someone around - carrying Narcan will allow bystanders to step in and potentially save a life. Per the North Carolina Overdose Epidemic Data from the NC Department of Health and Human Services(NCDHHS), there was a 22.2% increase in fatal illicit opioid overdoses in Lincoln County from 2022 to 2023. This increase in fatal overdoses makes Lincoln County one of the leading counties in the state with high fatal overdose rates - thus, LCHD encourages all bystanders and laypeople to carry Narcan.
North Carolina Overdose Epidemic Data | Division of Public Health
How do I administer Narcan?
How to Use Naloxone Nasal Spray (:30)
How to Use Injectable Naloxone (:30)
Resources for Using NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray
Harm Reduction Distribution at Lincoln County Health Department
Lincoln County Health Department gives out Narcan, xylazine test strips, fentanyl test strips, and medication lockboxes for free. If you need these items, visit the front desk or call McKensie Frye at (704) 479-5037 EXT. 95037.
- Fentanyl Test Strips are used to test substances before use to increase awareness of fentanyl presence to lower the risk of an overdose.
What You Can Do to Test for Fentanyl | Stop Overdose | CDC
- Xylazine test strips are used to test substances before use to increase awareness of xylazine presence to lower the risk of an overdose.
What You Should Know About Xylazine | Overdose Prevention | CDC
- Medication lock boxes are a secure way to store medications, prescriptions, and other critical items.