Free Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips
Free nasal naloxone is available at all our locations while supplies are available, and fentanyl test strips will be available at the Central Library in May. You do not need to provide ID, proof of insurance or your Library card to get free naloxone or fentanyl test strips.
About Naloxone
As part of our commitment to public well-being and safety, we are working with Public Health – Seattle & King County to distribute free naloxone to community members in need.
Naloxone is used to reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone is safe, works almost immediately and is not addictive.
At the Library, we offer naloxone as a nasal spray (known by the brand name Narcan) for free at all our locations. This can be given through the nose in case of an overdose.
What is naloxone/Narcan?
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids—including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications—when given in time. Anyone can use naloxone without any prior medical training or authorization.
Narcan is a brand name for naloxone when given as a nasal spray. This form of naloxone (as a nasal spray) is available for free at any Library location.
(Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
How does naloxone work?
Naloxone restores normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. It is not a treatment for opioid use disorder and cannot be taken prior to using drugs to prevent an overdose.
(Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Will I get in trouble for using naloxone?
Washington’s Good Samaritan Law provides some protection when calling 9-1-1 to save a life, even if drugs are at the scene. Learn more about the Good Samaritan Law.
(Source: Washington State Department of Health)
Can anyone carry naloxone?
Yes, anyone can purchase and/or carry naloxone to help respond to an overdose. It is not just for people with an opioid or other substance use disorder. Having naloxone available allows bystanders to help save lives by preventing a fatal overdose.
(Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
How do I use naloxone?
Follow these instructions for using naloxone for a drug overdose or watch this video by the Washington State Dept of Health. The Library provides free doses of naloxone as a nasal spray.
Is naloxone safe?
Yes, naloxone is a safe medication that works to reverse an opioid overdose. Use naloxone even if you’re not sure what kind of drugs someone took. Naloxone will only work on opioids, but there is no harm if they took a different kind of drug.
(Source: Washington State Department of Health)
Where to Get Naloxone in the Community
You can find naloxone at the Library while supplies last. You can also find naloxone in the community at the following locations or through the following organizations.
This list is intended for personal use and acquisition of small quantities of naloxone in Seattle. If you are looking to order large quantities for organizational or mutual aid, contact the local or state Department of Health.
- Local pharmacy - All pharmacies in Washington State can provide naloxone without a prescription. Many now also stock over-the-counter naloxone. Call ahead to check availability. If you have Apple Health (WA Medicaid), there’s no copay.
- Mail order - Washington State residents can now order free naloxone kits by mail. This program is meant for people who do not have insurance coverage, or who can’t easily go to a community organization or a pharmacy to get a kit.
- Needle Exchange - Needle Exchange locations around Seattle and King County may provide free naloxone. Check their website for locations and open hours.
- Vending machines - Harm reduction vending machines provide free, confidential access to overdose prevention supplies and resources. The vending machines are stocked with naloxone, fentanyl test strips, as well as condoms, and other safer sex supplies.
- Washington Naloxone Finder - Check this map to find naloxone near you.
About Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips are available for free at the Central Library.
Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in different kinds of drugs and drug forms. They provide people who use drugs and communities with important information about fentanyl in the illegal drug supply so they can take steps to reduce risk of overdose.
(Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Additional Resources
Where to Learn More
- Dave Purchase - With the first legal needle exchange in the country and the only at-cost harm-reduction supply co-op, the Dave Purchase Project helps lead and supply the harm-reduction movement.
- Laced & Lethal - Get information on pills and powders laced with fentanyl, access to confidential all-age naloxone distribution sites, overdose prevention resources, and how to overcome stigma.
- National Harm Reduction Coalition - Find information and resources about evidence-based harm reduction strategies and practices. Explore fact sheets, webinars, manuals, training guides and more.
- StopOverdose - Learn to prevent and respond to overdose and improve the health of people who use drugs.
Connecting to Care
- Never Use Alone - Call 1-800-484-3731 and volunteer operators can alert EMS to your location if you stop responding after using. All calls are confidential.
- People's Harm Reduction Alliance - A community-based nonprofit that distributes new syringes, sterile injection equipment, other safer use kits, naloxone, fentanyl test strips, wound care supplies, safer sex supplies, and hygiene products.
- “Telebup” Hotline - Call 206-289-0287 to receive on-demand treatment and a prescription for buprenorphine. They serve anyone 13 years of age or older who has an opioid use disorder and is currently residing in King County.
- Washington Recovery Help Line - Call 1-866-789-1511 for 24/7 support and resources for substance use, Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), problem gambling and mental health.
Support Groups for People Who Use Substances and Their Loved Ones
- NAMI Seattle - National Alliance on Mental Illness support groups are free, drop-in, peer-led and focused on mental health. Observers are not permitted to attend.
- NEXT Distro - NEXT Distro’s social support guide is a living document of different types of support groups and how to find them.
- Peer Seattle - Peer Seattle has a variety of support groups happening every day of the week. Find a group that’s right for you.
- Recovery Café - A supportive community for individuals who have experienced trauma and its effects, including homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges.
- Seattle Narcotics Anonymous - Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. Call their helpline at 206-790-8888.
- Teen Link - Teens can call this peer-to-peer support line at 1-866-833-6546 for help with bullying, relationships, depression, and drug and alcohol concerns.