OHSU expands access to life-saving naloxone for young people

Surge in illicit fentanyl drives nationwide increase in drug overdose deaths

By Erik Robinson August 26, 2024 Portland, Oregon

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OHSU clinical pharmacist Emily Skogrand holds up the medication Naloxone, which is used to help in the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. Naloxone is available at any OHSU pharmacy without a prescription. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Naloxone on hand for high school students

Benson High School medical director Nancy Zink, M.D., who is also an assistant professor of family medicine in the OHSU School of Medicine, keeps a supply of naloxone on hand for students at risk of encountering illicit substances at after-school gatherings or other venues off campus. (OHSU/Erik Robinson)

Nancy Zink, M.D. (OHSU)

Carrying naloxone

Naloxone is a medication that can treat narcotic overdose in an emergency situation. It is available at any OHSU pharmacy without a prescription. (OHSU/Erik Robinson)

Overdose Awareness at OHSU

OHSU addiction medicine specialists distributed free overdose reversal kits to the public during the OHSU Farmers Market on Tuesday, Aug. 27. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Overdose Awareness at OHSU

OHSU clinical pharmacist Emily Skogrand, Pharm.D., demonstrates the ease of using naloxone on Tuesday, Aug. 27. OHSU addiction medicine experts distributed free naloxone, courtesy of CareOregon, at the OHSU Farmers Market as part of an initiative to support the widespread distribution of the overdose reversal kits to save lives. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)