Why Everyone Should Carry Narcan

The opioid crisis is one of the most urgent public health threats today, claiming tens of thousands of lives every year. Yet we have an easy-to-use, safe, and highly effective tool to reverse opioid overdoses: Narcan(naloxone). It restores breathing in minutes and can be administered by anyone—no medical background required. We recommend everyone carry Narcan. Here’s why:

1. Overdoses Can Happen to Anyone, Anywhere

Opioids are not just heroin or street drugs. Prescription painkillers, counterfeit pills, and drugs unknowingly laced with fentanyl can lead to deadly overdoses. Overdoses are happening to people in all walks of life—in homes, public places, workplaces, and especially on college campuses. No one is immune. If you’re nearby and have Narcan, you can save a life.

2. Narcan Is Safe and Easy to Use

The nasal spray version of Narcan requires no needles and no medical training. It works quickly and only affects those who have opioids in their system. If you administer Narcan to someone who isn’t experiencing an opioid overdose, it won’t harm them. It’s a no-risk, high-impact action in an emergency.

3. It Buys Critical Time Until EMS Arrives

Calling 911 is essential, but in an overdose situation, seconds matter. Narcan acts immediately to restore normal breathing and consciousness, giving emergency services time to arrive and provide further care. Delays can mean death or permanent brain damage.

4. College Students Are Especially at Risk

College campuses are seeing a surge in overdoses, often from students unknowingly taking drugs laced with fentanyl—sometimes even in party drugs like cocaine, MDMA, or fake Adderall. Young adults may experiment, thinking they're taking something “safe,” but a single pill can be deadly. Having Narcan in a dorm room, backpack, or fraternity house could save a peer’s life. Universities across the country are starting to distribute Narcan and educate students—and every student should be part of that movement.

5. Carrying Narcan Reduces Stigma and Promotes Compassion

By carrying Narcan, you’re part of the solution. You’re normalizing a public health response to addiction and overdose, not moral judgment. Just like CPR or an EpiPen, Narcan should be part of every emergency preparedness kit. It’s an act of care, not criticism.

6. You Could Save a Life

The life you save could be your friend, your classmate, your neighbor, or a stranger on the street. You may never need it—but if you do, you’ll be ready.

Bottom line: Having Narcan doesn’t mean you expect to use it. It means you care enough to be ready. Whether you’re a parent, student, professional, or passerby, carrying Narcan is a simple, powerful way to protect your community.

Where to Get Narcan:
At Connected Health, we make it easy to be prepared. Our pharmacy carries Narcan, and it's also included in our College Health Kits—a curated bundle of essential health items every student should have. Whether you're a parent sending your child off to college or a student looking out for your friends, we’ve got you covered. Call us at 724-933-4320 or stop by to learn more.

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