SPOKANE, Wash. — Washington’s Department of Health launched a new online mapping tool today to help people access free naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, across the state.
The tool displays red markers showing locations where residents can pick up the life-saving medicine at no cost.
“We want it to be as easy as possible for people to access naloxone,” said Emalie Huriaux with the Washington Department of Health. “Naloxone is a really amazing, safe, easy-to-use medication.”
The tool comes as Washington faces a serious overdose crisis. Last year, more than 3,100 people in Washington died from drug overdoses, with 79% of those deaths involving opioids.
Jolie Knight is the founder of M.H.A SpeakOut SpeakUp. Knight partnered with the Washington Department of Health to hand out Narcan around five years ago.
“I do not like running out of this stuff,” Knight said.
The naloxone is shipped directly to Knight’s organization. It is then given out to members of the community.
“Overdoses don’t have a stigma. It touches everybody’s life,” Knight said.
Knight says naloxone should always be kept in the medicine cabinet, just as people would keep a pain reliever.
“I’ve seen every class of household touched by overdose, and I can’t emphasize that enough,” Knight said. “The kids are getting younger. High school, junior high, toddlers.”
The sites won’t ask personal questions or have people fill out a questionnaire. The naloxone is ready to take home and have in case of an emergency.
People have already stopped by Knight’s non-profit Thursday, asking for the medication.
“It’s pretty priceless if you ask me,” Knight said.
The Department of Health recommends checking the hours of operation before visiting a location and suggests calling ahead to avoid frustration.
The locator tool is not meant for emergencies, and people should still call 911 during overdose situations.
You can access the naloxone finder tool by clicking here.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
