03/14/2026
Carrying Narcan isn’t about assumptions.
It’s about being prepared to save a life.
An opioid overdose can happen to anyone — involving prescription pain medication, counterfeit pills, he**in, or accidental exposure. It does not discriminate. And it often happens quietly.
Know the signs of an opioid overdose:
• Slow, weak, or no breathing
• Gurgling, choking, or snoring sounds
• Blue or gray lips and fingernails
• Pale, clammy skin
• Pinpoint (very small) pupils
• Unresponsive — won’t wake up when you call their name or rub your knuckles firmly on their chest
If someone shows these signs, act quickly.
What to do:
1️⃣ Call 911 immediately.
2️⃣ Try to wake them by shouting their name and rubbing your knuckles firmly on the center of their chest.
3️⃣ Lay them on their back.
4️⃣ Give Narcan (naloxone).
How to use Narcan nasal spray:
• Remove it from the box. Do not test it.
• Hold the device with your thumb on the bottom plunger and two fingers on the nozzle.
• Gently insert the tip into one nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the nose.
• Press the plunger firmly to release the full dose.
5️⃣ After giving Narcan, begin rescue breathing if trained (1 breath every 5 seconds).
6️⃣ If they don’t respond in 2–3 minutes, give a second dose in the other nostril.
7️⃣ Place them on their side (recovery position) once breathing resumes and stay with them until help arrives.
Narcan is safe and has no effect if opioids are not present. You cannot harm someone by giving it if you’re unsure.
Carrying Narcan is like knowing CPR or having an EpiPen — it’s a small act that can make the difference between life and death. You may never need it. But if you do, you could give someone another chance.
Preparedness is not enabling.
Compassion is not weakness.
Awareness saves lives. 💙
Find locations of free narcan here: https://findnaloxone.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx
or stop by the Prevention Center to pick some up!
