Free naloxone will be available in Warren on two dates in September as part of a statewide giveaway being held at 95 locations.

Naloxone kits will be provided at no cost at the Warren County State Health Center, 2027 Pennsylvania Avenue East, Warren on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until supplies last. No appointment is necessary.

The giveaway is being held as part “Stop Overdoses in Pa.: Get Help Now Week.” The initiative is an ongoing effort by Governor Tom Wolf’s administration to reduce the number of opioid overdoses and get residents into treatment.

Naloxone is a medication that does not harm the individual it is administered to, and is used to reverse an overdose caused by an opioid by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine issued a standing order prescription to any Pennsylvanian to get naloxone at a pharmacy for anyone who may need it.

In 2018, more than 4,400 people died from a drug overdose, according to information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Since November 2014, more than 25,000 people have been revived with naloxone by police officers and EMS providers in Pennsylvania. A standing order, updated in July of 2019, allows firefighters and police officers to administer naloxone as part of their treatment of someone who has overdosed.

“The life-saving medication naloxone is essential for every resident to have on hand, particularly if you have a loved one suffering from opioid-use disorder,” Wolf said. “Keeping naloxone in your home, work or even in your car can make the difference between someone getting into treatment or dying from this disease.”

In addition to being able to get naloxone for free on Sept. 18 and 25, it is carried at most pharmacies across the state year-round. Naloxone is available to many with public and private insurance at pharmacies either for free or at a low cost.

Additional information on Stop Overdoses Week and naloxone can be found on the state’s website at pa.gov/opioids. For more information and a list of other giveaway locations in other counties go to health.pa.gov and look under the heading “latest news.”