Free naloxone distributed to prevent overdoses
The wellbeing services county has launched the distribution of naloxone free of charge at its health advice centres. The aim is to prevent deaths caused by opioid overdoses and to improve safety. The service is particularly important for people who use opioids as intoxicants and are assessed to be at risk of overdose.
Opioid overdose is one of the most significant preventable causes of premature death among adults. THL figures show that approximately 150 people in Finland die each year from unintentional overdoses. Overdoses can, however, be prevented.
Naloxone is a medicine used to reverse the effects of opioids in the event of an overdose. It is available as a nasal spray and is easy to use. However, naloxone alone is not sufficient, and an overdose always requires care provided by healthcare professionals.
Naloxone is available at health advice centres
We have started distributing naloxone free of charge at health advice centres. Naloxone is provided to individuals who:
- are at risk of an opioid overdose
- are unable to obtain the medicine on their own from a pharmacy.
Health advice centres also provide information and support and, if necessary, guidance to other services. The service is intended for people who inject drugs and their loved ones. Seeking help is easy and encouraged.
The health advice centres are located in Espoo, Lohja, Nummela and Kirkkonummi, and the service is available without an appointment.
Read more about health advice centres and their opening hours here:
https://www.luvn.fi/en/services/health-services/mental-health-and-substance-abuse-services/health-advice-centre-linkki