Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, can prevent overdoses by temporarily blocking the effects of opioids on the body.
The Mecklenburg County Public Health Department says naloxone distribution has more than quadrupled since 2023. The result? A 22% decrease in opioid overdose–related medic calls since 2024.
Increased naloxone distribution is part of Mecklenburg’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A), a five-year cooperative agreement funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that helps local jurisdictions combat the opioid crisis.
The Mecklenburg County website identifies OD2A prevention strategies, including linkage to and retention in care, harm reduction, and enhancing clinician and health system best practices.
Residents can request free naloxone kits from the county’s public health website.
