Resources in

Puerto Rico

In 2021, there were 633 identified overdose deaths in Puerto Rico.

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, have been recently released from jail or prison, or if you are a friend, family member, or partner of someone who may be at high-risk for an opioid overdose, you can have naloxone mailed to you at no cost.

PHARMACY-BASED NALOXONE ACCESS

A standing order allows pharmacies in Puerto Rico to dispense naloxone without the need to get a prescription from your doctor. We suggest you call your local pharmacy and ask if they have naloxone and whether it is covered under your individual insurance plan.

Intercambios Puerto Rico

Intercambios Puerto Rico is a nonprofit community-based organization that supports marginalized groups, including drug users, homeless, and sex workers.

Good Samaritan Law

Puerto Rico has no laws explicitly pertaining to Good Samaritan fatal overdose prevention.

This means that law enforcement may choose to arrest an individual for drug possession or any other charges when seeking medical assistance for an overdose.

Drug user organizing

The National Survivors Union is a national drug users union mobilizing against the war on drugs.

Safespot Overdose Hotline

Safe Spot is a 24/7, national hotline that is staffed by a dedicated team of people with lived and living experience with overdose and drug use.