St. Lucie County provides Naloxone to reduce substance abuse deaths

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) announced the availability of free Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray kits in St. Lucie County.

Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, it can restore breathing and consciousness within minutes. This gives first responders time to reach the person suffering from an overdose. FDOH officials say Naloxone could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state.

The kit is available to anyone including people who use drugs, people with a history of drug use, others at risk of experiencing an overdose, friends, family members and others who may witness an overdose. Two Naloxone nasal sprays are included in the kit and can be administered even without a healthcare professional present.

Health officials said St. Lucie County had 94 drug-related fatalities in 2021 and findings show there will be more drug-related fatalities this year, compared to 2021.

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“Naloxone is a critical tool in preventing future fatalities,” according to Clint Sperber, Health Officer and Administrator with the DOH of St. Lucie.

Those who are requesting a kit from the Department of Health in St. Lucie County must meet the following requirements:

• Must be 18 years old or older
• Individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose
• Caregivers who may witness an opioid overdose or others likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose.

Kits can be picked up Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the following locations:

• 5150 NW Milner Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983
• 3855 South US 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982

Health officials say kits are free and no appointments are necessary. People will also receive educational materials, referrals and connections for substance abuse intervention.