Take Home Naloxone Program
Established in 2012, the BC Centre for Disease Control’s Take Home Naloxone program provides life-saving naloxone kits to individuals at risk of experiencing or witnessing an opioid drug poisoning (overdose). Over 2,400 distribution sites across BC currently participate in the program .
Naloxone
Naloxone is a substance that temporarily reverses the effect of opioids (e.g., dilaudid, morphine, heroin, methadone, fentanyl, etc.). It temporarily restores breathing that is slowed or stopped by opioids; this prevents longer-term brain injury and death.
Naloxone is available in BC without a prescription.
Take Home Naloxone Kits
The BC Take Home Naloxone program provides intramuscular (Injectable) naloxone.
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Intramuscular (IM) THN kit contents |
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· 1 x Black carrying case · 3 x Naloxone, 0.4 mg/mL, 1 mL ampoule in capped and labelled amber medication bottle · 3 x Vanish Point® 3 mL syringe · 3 x Alcohol prep pad · 1 x Pair of non-latex gloves · 1 x Individual breathing mask in pouch · 1 x SAVE ME steps instructional sticker · 1 x Overdose response nnformation form* · Naloxone expiry sticker located on the outside of the kit |
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Program Scope & Eligibility
Kits are available at no cost to:
- people at risk of an opioid drug poisoning (overdose)
- people likely to witness and respond to a drug poisoning such as a family or friend of someone at risk
To locate a participating site near you, use our Site Finder search tool.
Kits are not available to individuals directly through the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Additional Naloxone Access Pathways
THN Kits are NOT available for occupational use. Please refer to the table below to explore pathways for occupational (on-site) use.
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Health Care Providers |
Health Care employees seeking naloxone for use in the workplace should contact their employer or regional Health Authority.
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Not-for-profit organizations |
Organizations that work directly individuals at risk of opioid drug poisoning may be eligible to participate in our Facility Overdose Response Box (FORB) program.
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Businesses |
Both intranasal and injectable formulations and supplies can be purchased from a community pharmacy.
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First Aid Training Groups |
THN kits are not intended for occupational training or private training sessions. Please direct trainees requesting a kit for personal use to a local Take Home Naloxone site where kits and training will be provided at no cost.
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Medical Offices |
Please direct patients to a nearby Take Home Naloxone site, which includes many community pharmacies. Pharmacies are expected to offer training or share training resources, according to guidance developed by the College of Pharmacists of BC.
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How to Become a Registered THN Site
The BCCDC Take Home Naloxone (THN) Program provides kits and training supplies to eligible sites for ongoing kit distribution and training to individuals likely to witness and respond to an opioid drug poisoning (such as people who use substances, family, friends and community members).
The black THN kits are not intended for staff use within any workplace.
Please refer to the table above for additional naloxone pathways that fall outside the scope of this program.
Step 1: Register
Sites applications are reviewed by the BCCDC in coordination with regional Health Authorities.
To apply for the THN program, sites must complete the New Site Registration Form and contact their local Harm Reduction Coordinator for review and pre-approval of their application.
Sites looking to obtain naloxone from an existing site in your community, please use the Satellite Site Registration Form instead.
Step 2: Training
Take Home Naloxone sites teach people how to use the THN kits to respond to opioid drug poisoning. Sites intending to register for the program should review the training expectations outlined in the New Site Registration Form and be familiar with our training materials.
· Naloxone Training: The Basics
· Naloxone Resource for Trainers
A Take Home Naloxone trainer can be anyone who has reviewed and understands the required training materials specified in the New Site Registration Form and who are able to demonstrate the preparation and giving of an intramuscular (IM) injection.
Step 3: Review and Supply Ordering
You will receive a confirmation email from the naloxone team about the outcome of your application within 10 business days of receipt.
If approved, a site ID number and further information about the program will be included with your confirmation, along with further direction for ordering supplies.
Get Naloxone
Take Home Naloxone kits are available at sites across the province.
