Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose by attaching to receptors and blocking the effects of opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an overdose. Naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder.  video

The map below shows where naloxone can be obtained in Berkshire County from service providers, pharmacies and pick-up points in Naloxone Distribution Boxes at many business and community locations.  We’re also happy to mail naloxone to you.

Fentanyl Test Strips are an easy form of drug testing which are effective at detecting fentanyl in samples prior to use.  In Berkshire County, we are seeing an increase in fentanyl in cocaine, online/ street pills, methamphetamines and other substances.  Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 50 times as potent as heroin, and can quickly lead to an overdose.

Naloxone and test strips are strongly recommended for anyone who uses substances, particularly more casual or recreational users who do not knowingly use opioids. Test strips are available at many locations where naloxone is available.

Many harm reduction, recovery, treatment and community resources offer free naloxone. Call or drop-in for a brief training and kit:

• North County
  • Berkshire Harm Reduction: 6 West Main Street, North Adams | 413-398-5603 | 8 am – 4:30 pm M-F
  • Brien Center: 124 American Legion Drive, North Adams |(413) 499 0412 | M-R 8 am – 6 pm, F 8 am – 5 pm
• Central County
  • Berkshire Harm Reduction: 510 North Street, Pittsfield | 413-447-2654 | 8 am – 4:30 pm M-F
  • Tapestry Health: 100 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield | 413-443-2844 | M 10 am – 5 pm, T 12 pm – 7 pm, W 10 am – 5 pm, R 8:30 am – 4 pm, F 10 am – 4:30 pm
  • The George B. Crane Memorial Center: 81 Linden Street, Pittsfield | 413-464-7006; 413-281-7407 | M, T, R, F, Sa 10 am – 2 pm
  • Learn To Cope: 165 Tor Court, HEAL Room, Pittsfield | (413) 203 9900 | T-F 7:30 am – 8:00 pm
  • County Ambulance: 175 Wahconah Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 | (413) 499-2527 | M-Sun Open 24 Hours
  • Brien Center: 333 East Street, Pittsfield, MA | (413) 499 0412 | M-F 8 am – 4 pm
• South County
  • Rural Recovery South County Center: 67 State Road, Great Barrington | 413-645-3564 | 10 am – 4:30 pm M-F

You can also pick up naloxone any time from a convenient, 24/7 Naloxone Distribution Box (aka “NaloxBox”). Located indoors and outdoors throughout the county, these boxes offer free naloxone to all, including those who just want to have it on hand. Berkshire Harm Reduction, in collaboration with local hosts, regularly monitors and resupplies the boxes.

Naloxone can also be obtained at any pharmacy in Massachusetts without a prescription. Most providers do not require a co-pay, though some will.  

How to Administer Naloxone

While an in-person training with Berkshire Harm Reduction, Rural Recovery, or another local partner is highly recommended, this video provides a brief overview on how to administer naloxone:

Good Samaritan Laws protect you when responding to an overdose.  Instructions can also be downloaded as a foldable wallet card, or obtained at no cost through the MA Clearinghouse

Please click here if you would like naloxone mailed to you!