A life-saving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose will soon be available over the counter. Just last week Onondaga County officials reported 40 overdoses in a 48 hour period.Now, the medication known as Narcan, or naloxone, is coming to store shelves this summer in Onondaga County.
But Mariah Senecal Reilly, Mental Health and Substance Use Initiatives Program Coordinator for the Onondaga County Health Department, is afraid of a possible sticker shock.
“I have heard it’s projected as like between $38 and $58 for a kit. I think that cost is kind of prohibitive,” she said.
But there is a way to get it for free. The county runs a harm reduction supplies line that offers free Narcan and fentanyl testing strips. That’s available by calling or texting 315-418-5365.