Duval County, Fla. – In response to opioid overdose deaths in Northeast Florida, the Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) is providing access to naloxone, a potentially lifesaving medication that could reduce overdose deaths, at Jacksonville clinics.

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of being administered to a person who has overdosed. Before administering naloxone, individuals should call 911 immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected.

Increasing access to naloxone is a critical component in battling the opioid epidemic, especially in rural areas or counties with limited access to health care. Providing naloxone through county health departments increases support to anyone with a substance use disorder and helps prevent overdose deaths in Florida.

Naloxone is easy to administer and free to Duval County residents who elect to receive it. Naloxone is available to those at risk of experiencing an overdose as well as friends, family members, and others who may witness an overdose. Each kit consists of two naloxone nasal sprays and instructions.

“In 2021, nearly 600 people died from drug overdoses in Duval County alone,” said Antonio Nichols, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Duval County. “Opioids are responsible for 81 percent of those deaths. We can’t prevent every opioid overdose in our community, but we can try to get this lifesaving medication into the hands of Duval County residents that may need it to help reduce the number of overdose deaths.”

Naloxone nasal spray kits are currently available at the following DOH-Duval locations:

• Administrative Offices – Environmental Health
  921 N. Davis Street, Bldg. B, Suite 350, Jacksonville, FL 32209
• Center for Women and Children 515 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
• Children's Dental Center at North Point
  3416 Moncrief Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209
• Comprehensive Care Center
  515 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
• Emerald Tiger WIC & Nutrition Services
  3225 University Boulevard South, Jacksonville, FL 32216
• Pharmacy
  515 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
• Refugee Health
  515 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
• South Jacksonville Family Health Center
  3225 University Boulevard South, Jacksonville, FL 32216
• South Jacksonville Immunization Center
  3225 University Boulevard South, Jacksonville, FL 32216
• Tuberculosis (TB) Clinical Services
  515 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
• Wesconnett WIC & Nutrition Services
  5917 105th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32244
• Westside Children's Dental Center
  120 King Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204

A complete list of DOH-Duval naloxone distributing locations is available HERE.

Naloxone nasal spray distribution campaign is part of DOH-Duval’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program, which works to combat the overdose crisis in Florida’s communities. For more information on the OD2A program and how it is addressing the overdose epidemic, visit DOH-Duval’s OD2A webpage.

The Florida Department of Health is working with the Florida Department of Children and Families through the Overdose Prevention Program, or iSaveFL, to facilitate the distribution of naloxone kits to families, friends, and caregivers of those at risk for an opioid overdose. Naloxone providers in Florida can be found on the iSaveFL webpage.

This effort complements the Florida Department of Health’s HEROS (Helping Emergency Responders Obtain Support) program that provides free naloxone to emergency response agencies.

If you or a loved one need help: 

This initiative is part of the state’s response to the overdose crisis. Governor Ron DeSantis launched Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network is the first of its kind in the U.S. and aims to eliminate the stigma of addiction and treat Substance Use Disorder as a disease, with the same level of continuous care as other chronic diseases. Floridians battling with addiction can utilize CORE for stabilization and to receive medication assisted treatment from a network of specialized medical experts that will help guide them on a sustained pathway to healthy success.

To find help and resources, please visit the CORE Network website at https://www.flcorenetwork.com/

A public health and safety alert was issued by the Florida Department of Health on July 8, 2022, to ensure Floridians remain vigilant of the signs of overdose. Anyone can access print and digital educational materials to help Floridians identify symptoms of an overdose here. The public health and safety alert is here.

About the Florida Department of Health 

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @FLHealthDuval. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.