Resources in
Washington DC
In 2022, there were 461 identified opioid overdose deaths in Washington DC.
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.
free Naloxone by mail
DC residents may request to receive free naloxone by mail from the Health Support Now program by filling out a short request form. This initiative is not affiliated with NEXT Distro but is the best option for DC residents to receive free mail-based naloxone. Supplies are shipped with 5-7 business days in discreet packaging.
PHARMACY-BASED NALOXONE ACCESS
Narcan is available without a prescription in every ward in DC. Participating pharmacies include CVS, Walgreens, and many other pharmacy retailers.
DELIVERY-BASED NALOXONE ACCESS
Can’t come to a pharmacy to pick up naloxone? Text “LiveLongDC” to 888-811 to request delivery. A peer will deliver to your home within 3-5 business days and teach you how to use naloxone. DC addresses only, no P.O. Boxes.
BECOME A NALOXONE DISTRIBUTOR
DC Department of Behavioral Health partners with over 100 social service, health care and faith-based organizations to distribute naloxone to those in need, free of charge. For more information on eligibility and to obtaining a standing order, email naloxone@dc.gov.
Naloxone Training
DC has two naloxone trainings available for free on-demand through the Department of Behavioral Health Training Institute.
The Overdose Prevention and Naloxone (NARCAN®) Education – Community Course is appropriate for all audiences. The Overdose Prevention and Naloxone (NARCAN®) Education For Providers Course is designed for mental health care clinicians and healthcare providers. This course is accredited and provides one free CEU hour. Both courses provide a certificate upon completion.
LIVE LONG DC
LIVE LONG DC is a one-stop hub for Washington DC's combined efforts for ending the city's opioid epidemic. The links to a list of pharmacies that provide free Narcan nasal spray.
Syringe Service programs
There are four organizations in DC that provide syringe services, all of which distribute naloxone. Bread for the City offers syringe services within the primary care clinic of both its NW and SE locations. Family and Medical Counseling Services, Inc. (FMCS), Honoring Individual Power and Strength (HIPS) and Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc. operate mobile SSPs. Visit the DC Health website for schedules and contact information.
DC Health cLINIC MAP
DC Health Search helps residents and visitors find primary care facilities in the District of Columbia. Users can enter a address to search for nearby primary care centers within a mile or up to 10 miles
DC Health matters
DC Health Matters provides a one-stop resource for online access to community health indicators and related resources that impact the health of DC communities. Check out this zip-code resource finder.
Access Helpline
This 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone line is staffed by behavioral health professionals who can refer a caller to immediate help or ongoing care. The Helpline can help you sort out and manage feelings of hopelessness, anger, grief, stress or whatever is troubling you.
DRUG USER ORGANIZING
The Urban Survivors Union is a national drug users union mobilizing against the war on drugs. Check out their wealth of resources including #reframetheblame a campaign against drug induced homicide laws.