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about opioids

If you or someone you care about is using opioids legally or illegally, it is important to have a Naloxone Nasal Spray kit to prevent injury or death associated with overdose.

Naloxone or Narcan® is a drug that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid-related overdose. It is free of charge and available without a prescription, or health card, at a number of participating pharmacies and community partners.

For more information about Naloxone and responding to an overdose, visit WECOSS.ca

Participating Pharmacies:

A number of pharmacies across Ontario provide naloxone kits onsite and at no cost. Prescription or health card not required. Visit Ontario.ca/OpioidOverdose to find a list of participating pharmacies near you.

Participating Community Organizations:

A number of local organizations provide naloxone kits to clients onsite and at no cost. Visit WECOSS.ca to find a list of participating community organizations near you.

Naloxone training is required before you receive a naloxone kit. Participating locations will provide training; however, the WECHU has created a Naloxone Administration Client Training video for those who may be interested in learning more.


The Canadian Pharmacists Association ‘How to Give Naloxone Nasal Spray for Opioid Overdoses’ video demonstrates how to use naloxone nasal spray in a few simple steps. Watch the video online.

5 Minute Naloxone Nasal Spray Training Video:

The Health Unit is committed to increasing access to harm reduction services to prevent opioid overdose-related deaths. The ONP, offered through the Health Unit, distributes Naloxone nasal spray (a drug that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids) to eligible community organizations to distribute to their clients who use opioids or are at risk of an opioid overdose, and their friends and families. If you are interested in becoming an ONP community partner, and would like additional information, please visit our Community Partners section.

Starting June 1, 2023, employers must provide naloxone in the workplace if certain circumstances described in the Occupational Health and Safety Act apply. To learn more, visit the Government of Ontario’s Naloxone in the Workplace webpage.


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