Denver residents can order Naloxone -- the opioid overdose reversal medication -- and fentanyl testing strips directly from the city by filling out an online form.
The effort is part of the city's Substance Misuse Program, which Courtney Meihls, spokesperson for the city's public health office, said aims to prevent substance misuse, improve treatment access, and reduce harm associated with drug use. The opioid epidemic has killed scores of Denverites, and overdoses often occur because of the presence of fentanyl, which can be lethal even in small doses, in certain narcotics.
"Fatal and non-fatal overdoses are preventable," Meihls said in an email to Denverite. "By providing these resources to our community, we can save the lives of our neighbors and loved ones."
The city's public health website includes a video in English and Spanish on how to administer Naloxone. The strips can be used to test whether other drugs contain fentanyl.
To order naloxone and the testing strips, visit the city's website. The items are only available to Denver residents. Meihls said the city is trying to deliver orders within a week, though due to increased awareness of the program, Naloxone delivery is taking a bit longer.
