Manatee County Expands Efforts to End Overdose Stigma with Free Naloxone
When an overdose occurs, emergency medical professionals in Manatee County respond with urgency, compassion, and a clear mission to preserve life. Naloxone, a life-saving medication, plays a critical role in this response.
Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, displacing the drugs, and quickly restoring normal breathing in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers. The medication can be administered as a nasal spray, making it easy for first responders and even bystanders to use in emergencies.
Manatee County’s Department of Public Safety is actively promoting access to Naloxone and is providing it for free to community members. Residents can request a free supply through the county’s official program, ensuring that more people are equipped to act when faced with an overdose situation.
Officials emphasize that Naloxone does not enable drug use but instead protects life and provides individuals with a second chance to seek recovery, rebuild, and reconnect with their families and communities. By encouraging widespread availability, Manatee County is working to end the stigma surrounding overdose and focus on saving lives.
For more information and to request free Naloxone, visit https://bit.ly/naxrequest or go to mymanatee.org.
