narcan is love.
HOW NARCAN IS LOVE
When we give Narcan (also known as Naloxone) to another person, it is an extension of our love. With our aid, we extend a physical gesture that communicates, “You are worth being alive, and I want to see you again.” Everyone deserves a chance to receive that message, not be overlooked, and live a full life. This is a Human Right that Serving Those Serving stands for. We are partnering with Southside Harm Reduction Services because we truly believe in their mission to destigmatize, validate, and acknowledge the humanity of all people, regardless of drug use. Through this partnership with STS and other community agencies, Southside Harm Reduction has been able to provide seventy-five Narcan kits to establishments in Minnesota. These resources will help not only our service industry community but anyone that needs Narcan to help themselves or those they love.
How does Narcan work?
Narcan is a lifesaving drug that can reverse an opioid overdose. An opioid is a categorization of different drugs that includes heroin, fentanyl, pain relievers such as OxyContin, etc. During an overdose of these and similar drugs, Narcan can be administered through an injection or through a nasal spray. When a person is given Narcan during an opioid overdose, the harmful effects that the drug can have on the brain are disabled, and the current overdose experience is reversed.
Are there legal concerns about carrying Narcan?
No. It is absolutely legal to carry and administer. Additionally, Minnesota has the Good Samaritan Law, which protects someone who administers Narcan, even if they are using drugs while the overdose occurs.
OPIOID STATISTICS IN MINNESOTA
Opioid-involved overdose deaths in teens increased by 44% from 2020 to 2021, and the number has doubled since 2019.
In 2021, opioids were involved in the greatest number of overdose deaths in all of Minnesota.
Remember, you have to directly consume opioids like fentanyl for it to cause an overdose. Touching someone who is overdosing will not cause you to overdose. When working in the presence of fentanyl, you are safe as long as you are not putting it in your eyes, mouth, nose, or open wounds. Your unbroken skin is fentanyl-proof. YOU CAN SAVE LIVES.