Sometimes the smallest decision can make the biggest difference. I once requested a free naloxone kit simply to keep in my vehicle, just in case I ever encountered someone who needed help. I hoped I would never have to use it. Later, I faced an emergency involving someone very close to me. We called 911, and I administered the naloxone I had received for free. The person regained consciousness. I never imagined that a precaution I took for a possible stranger would become so personal. I’m sharing this because you never know when being prepared might help save a life.
What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone is an emergency medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including overdoses involving fentanyl, heroin, or prescription opioids. Nasal-spray versions are designed for use by ordinary people, not just medical professionals. It does not reverse overdoses caused solely by non-opioid substances, but it is appropriate to administer when an opioid overdose is suspected. Naloxone is not a substitute for emergency medical care.
Mississippi: Request a FREE Kit Mailed to Your Home
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) offers free naloxone kits shipped to Mississippi residents, without requiring an individual prescription. Each individual kit typically contains two doses of nasal spray and educational materials. To request yours, visit https://msdh.ms.gov/naloxone or https://odfree.org/ and select the no-cost naloxone option. You’ll watch a short training video and complete an online survey. As part of the process, you’ll confirm that you understand the instructions and feel confident administering naloxone if the need arises. Submit your request for mailing. There is no charge for the kit or shipping through this program.
Need additional or replacement kits? If you’ve used a kit or need to ask about more than one, contact the MSDH Public Health Pharmacy at 1-800-264-6635. You can also email naloxone@msdh.ms.gov with program questions. Additional supplies depend on program guidelines and availability.
What About Other States?
Free Naloxone Programs by State
Free naloxone isn’t limited to Mississippi! Depending on where you live, you may be able to request a kit by mail, complete a brief online training, or pick up a kit locally at no charge. Here are states with free naloxone distribution or mail-order resources we’ve identified: Alabama, California, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin. Please note: not every program ships to every address, and eligibility, inventory, and training requirements vary. A state appearing here does not guarantee free home delivery.
Mississippi: Request a kit through https://odfree.org/ (details above).
Pennsylvania: Explore the state’s mail-to-home naloxone program through the Pennsylvania Department of Health: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health.html
Ohio: Look for Project DAWN and state naloxone distribution resources: https://naloxone.ohio.gov/
Washington: Find free naloxone resources through the Washington State Department of Health: https://doh.wa.gov/
Alabama, California, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, and Wisconsin: Check NEXT Distro’s state-specific listings for current mail-order eligibility or local pickup options: https://nextdistro.org/statefinder
Don’t see your state listed? Use the same nationwide finder: https://nextdistro.org/statefinder . It covers all 50 states and can direct you to available programs near you. Some offer mail delivery; others require local pickup.
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone according to its instructions and stay with the person until emergency responders arrive, even if they wake up.
Recognize an Overdose and Respond
Warning signs can include a person who cannot be awakened, very slow or stopped breathing, gurgling or unusual snoring sounds, and blue, gray, or discolored lips or fingernails. Call 911 immediately, give naloxone according to the product instructions if an opioid overdose is suspected, and follow the emergency dispatcher’s directions. Provide rescue breathing or CPR as directed and as you are trained; another naloxone dose may be needed. Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive. Even if the person wakes up, do not cancel emergency help: naloxone can wear off before the opioid does, and breathing problems can return.
A Small Step That Could Save a Life
You do not have to use opioids yourself to be in a position to help someone experiencing an overdose. Friends, relatives, neighbors, and bystanders can all benefit from knowing the signs and having naloxone accessible. My own experience changed the way I think about being prepared. I requested a kit on the chance I might someday need it; when that day came, I was grateful I had.
Mississippi free-kit request: https://msdh.ms.gov/naloxone
Nationwide resource finder: https://nextdistro.org/statefinder
Information is provided for educational purposes, not as a substitute for medical advice or emergency services. Program eligibility and availability may change. If you suspect an overdose, call 911.