Every member of our community deserves to live a long, healthy life. In Florida, we’re seeing a shift in how we handle drug-related health crises.
Recent data shows that while drug-related deaths are still a major concern, opioid-caused deaths in Florida dropped by 32% in 2024. This progress is thanks to increased Narcan awareness and better access to life-saving tools.
Knowing how to respond to an emergency can make the difference between a tragedy and a recovery. We’re here to provide the education and resources you need to feel confident in helping others.
Narcan is the brand name for naloxone, a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. It’s usually given as a nasal spray. Narcan is safe, easy to use, and has no effect on someone who doesn’t have opioids in their system.
Here is how Narcan works:
You don’t need medical training to use it, which is why widespread access is so important for opioid overdose prevention.
You might think Narcan is only for people who use opioids, but you would be wrong.
Because fentanyl and other opioids can be found in many street drugs, including pills that look like prescription medication, almost anyone could encounter an overdose situation.
You should consider carrying Narcan if:
Carrying Narcan doesn’t mean you approve of drug use. It means you value life and want to be ready to help.
At The McGregor Clinic, we take a holistic view of health. Research shows that 98% of people who died from an overdose were linked to HIV care at some point. This means the clinic is the perfect place to provide harm reduction tools.
By offering Narcan to our patients and their families, we’re adding another layer of protection to the comprehensive care we already provide.
Time is the most important factor during a medical emergency. Brain damage can begin just four minutes after someone stops breathing.
Being able to spot the signs of an opioid overdose quickly is a fundamental part of Narcan awareness.
Common signs of an opioid overdose include:
If you aren’t sure whether it’s an overdose, it is safer to act. Narcan won’t harm someone who’s unconscious for another reason, like a seizure or low blood sugar.
Narcan awareness also includes knowing the simple steps to use it. If you think someone is overdosing:
Stay with the person until help arrives. If they wake up, try to keep them calm.
Many people hesitate to help because they fear getting in trouble. In Florida, the 911 Good Samaritan Act protects you.
This law states that anyone seeking medical assistance or administering Narcan for an overdose in good faith cannot be arrested or prosecuted. The law is designed to prioritize saving lives over making arrests for simple possession.
The law also protects the person experiencing the overdose.
Our goal is to save lives, and the law supports you in making that call.
We prioritize opioid overdose prevention in our community. That is why we offer free Narcan kits to anyone who needs them. You don’t need to be a patient or have insurance to receive a kit.
When you pick up a kit, we’ll also provide a quick training on how to use it and answer any questions you might have.
Yes. Narcan is safe for adults, children, and pregnant people. It only affects opioid receptors and has no effect if opioids aren’t present.
No. Narcan is now available over-the-counter, but you can get it for free at McGregor Clinic without a prescription or cost.
Sometimes Narcan causes immediate withdrawal symptoms, which can be uncomfortable. The person might be confused or agitated. Give them space and explain that you helped them because they weren’t breathing.
No. It is virtually impossible to overdose on Narcan itself. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to use it.
No. Studies show that access to Narcan does not increase drug use. Instead, it decreases overdose deaths and gives people a chance to seek treatment later.
Simply walk into our clinic during business hours and ask for a Narcan kit. Our team will help you immediately.
No. Narcan is only for emergency situations to stop an overdose. It doesn’t treat addiction or opioid use disorder.
It typically lasts between 30 and 90 minutes. Because some opioids stay in the body longer than that, a person could slip back into an overdose once the Narcan wears off. This is why calling 911 is essential.
It only works on opioids like fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone. It doesn’t reverse overdoses from cocaine, meth, or alcohol unless those drugs are also mixed with opioids.
At McGregor Clinic, we believe in a community where everyone looks out for one another. Whether providing top-tier medical care for HIV or equipping neighbors with life-saving tools, our goal is the same: to help you live a healthy, long life.
We’re proud to serve Florida residents with compassion and respect.
Are you ready to save a life?
CTA: Stop by McGregor Clinic today!
You can pick up your free Narcan kit and learn how to use it.
Because every life is worth saving.
Disclaimer: We're passionate about sharing helpful insights and information with our community. Please remember, this blog is for educational purposes and should not replace a conversation with your personal healthcare provider. Your health is unique. Always consult a medical professional for any specific concerns or treatment. If you have questions or wish to discuss your care, McGregor Clinic is here to help.
