Resources in

Kentucky

Kentucky has one of the highest opioid overdose fatality rates in the country. In 2020, there were 2083 identified opioid overdose deaths.

If you are a person who uses drugs or if you are around people who use drugs, please consider learning how to respond to an opioid overdose and carrying naloxone (intranasal brand name: Narcan). Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids slow down the activity of the central nervous system. This can cause slowed or stopped breathing which may lead to death. Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally. We have a helpful FAQ and are constantly updating it with questions from our site visitors. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, let us know.

get naloxone mailed to you

If you are a person who uses drugs, was recently released from jail or prison, or a person likely to be a first responder to an opioid overdose emergency, we will mail you naloxone if you’re unable to access it any other way. This service is thanks to our partnership with Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition.

Get Test Strips Mailed To You

If you are an individual or organization working with Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE), you can have fentanyl and/or xylazine test strips mailed to you.

Kentucky Harm Reduction Programs

Kentucky has dozens of harm reduction programs across the state providing free safer injection supplies, naloxone, and support services. You can use this NASEN map to choose Kentucky and find a full list of programs.

BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE RESOURCE SITE

Naloxone is widely without a prescription in Kentucky pharmacies. Use this locator to find a pharmacy, community based organization, or health department in your area that provides naloxone distribution. We suggest calling ahead to confirm.

KENTUCKY HARM REDUCTION COALITION

Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition (KyHRC) works to reduce opioid overdose death and the stigma associated with addiction. KyHRC offers harm reduction solutions which includes improving public health in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.