Narcan, the world’s first over-the-counter opioid overdose reversal medication, is now available in big-box retail chains across America at promising rates. Stores like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Rite Aid have made Narcan accessible nationwide. Despite its life-saving potential, however, many Americans remain unaware of Narcan’s existence. A recent NPR-IBM Watson Health Poll surveying 3,000 American families found that 41% had never heard of Narcan. Even while America’s opioid epidemic has headlined the media for years now, an underwhelming proportion of our citizens are aware of this important method of overdose reversal. Several hundreds of thousands of people have fallen victim to this crisis since 2020, many of whom have lost their lives by mistakenly taking a singular pill laced with fentanyl. While we can’t predict our future circumstances, having Narcan on hand is a crucial precaution. One simple purchase from a local store could truly save a life.

Narcan is a nasal spray designed for ease of use. When administered, it quickly blocks opioids’ effects on the brain, reversing overdoses from substances like fentanyl, heroin, or oxycodone. What makes Narcan especially compelling is its safety—there are no side effects, so using it, even if you’re unsure of an overdose, poses no harm. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration advises that a key sign of overdose is slowed or stopped breathing, paired with an inability to awaken or speak. If you suspect an overdose, simply insert the spray tip into the individual’s nostril and depress the plunger. Each Narcan kit contains two doses, as a second spray may be needed to reverse the overdose fully.

To date, Narcan has saved at least 60,000 lives. By becoming aware of this vital tool, you could be the one to save the next life in need.