Take Home Naloxone Program: A Life-Saving Initiative for Opioid Overdose Prevention

As Mental Health Week Approaches

As Mental Health Week approaches, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Queensland Branch) and the Queensland Mental Health Commission are encouraging local pharmacies and community members to engage with the national Take Home Naloxone Program. This initiative aims to make the life-saving medication naloxone widely accessible across Australia, offering it at no cost and without a prescription.

Understanding Naloxone and Its Role in Opioid Overdose Prevention

Naloxone is a safe, fast-acting medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdose within minutes, restoring normal breathing and consciousness. Available as both a nasal spray and an injectable, naloxone empowers people to act in the crucial moments of an opioid emergency, saving lives before professional help arrives.

Many Australians aren’t aware of naloxone or its life-saving potential, and the program seeks to close this gap by making naloxone accessible to all.

Breaking Down Stigmas and Misconceptions

Pharmacist and advocate Emily Turkovic has become a powerful voice for naloxone awareness, having lost her brother Isaac to an accidental overdose three years ago. She passionately emphasizes that anyone can make a difference by carrying naloxone, regardless of whether they or their loved ones use opioids.

“Every Australian has the potential to save a life—whether it’s your friend, neighbor, a stranger, or even your brother,” Emily shared.

Her message highlights a critical misconception: opioid overdoses can happen to anyone, at any time.

Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic agrees, urging people to think of naloxone as they would an EpiPen: a quick, simple tool for an emergency that could mean the difference between life and death.

How to Access Free Take Home Naloxone

Under the Take Home Naloxone Program, naloxone is available for free from registered pharmacies across Australia. For a quick, convenient way to locate participating providers, community members can visit the Pharmacy Programs Administrator website (ppaonline.com.au) to find nearby pharmacies or organizations distributing naloxone.

For pharmacies interested in becoming approved providers, the registration process through the Pharmacy Programs Administrator Portal is straightforward, bringing this life-saving resource to more communities.

Training and Support Resources

Access to naloxone is only part of the solution; knowing how to use it effectively is equally important. For those looking to learn more about naloxone administration, various resources and short videos are available at Insight Queensland.

For clinical advice on naloxone and related issues, health professionals can contact the Alcohol and Drug Clinical Advisory Service at 1800 290 928. Additionally, community members who need support or have concerns about substance use can reach Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support on 1800 177 833.

Take Action, Save a Life

As Chris Owen, President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Queensland Branch, notes:

“Naloxone is safe, easy to use, and can save a life.”

Making naloxone widely available through the Take Home Naloxone Program offers each of us the chance to be a hero when it matters most. If you haven’t already, consider picking up naloxone from your local pharmacy and getting familiar with how to administer it. Together, we can help save lives, break down stigmas, and prevent needless tragedies from opioid overdoses in our communities.

Final Thoughts 

This Mental Health Week, let’s talk openly about overdose prevention, spread awareness about naloxone, and take advantage of this valuable program. The Take Home Naloxone Program is here to help every Australian community and family feel safer, better prepared, and empowered to respond to emergencies.
For more information visit Naloxone