Multnomah County’s syringe exchange offers clients overdose rescue kits, which include naloxone, a drug used to reverse the effects of an opiate overdose.

Naloxone can rapidly reverse a heroin or prescription opioid overdose, restoring normal breathing to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped.

Get Naloxone

Syringe exchange clients

Get test strips and overdose rescue kits from Multnomah County syringe exchange. You'll complete a short training in how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose.  At the end you'll get a kit that includes two doses of naloxone. Allow 20 minutes to complete the training.

If you use prescription opioids

Ask your healthcare provider (or your loved one's provider) to also prescribe naloxone. Oregon Health Plan and most insurers provide coverage for this life-saving medication.

Friends and family members

In Oregon anyone can obtain naloxone from a pharmacist without seeing a healthcare provider first. Find pharmacies that offer naloxone

Responding to an overdose

Know the signs of an opioid overdose, which may include shallow breath, turning pale, blue or grey, choking or vomiting. If a person is unconscious and does not respond to stimulation:

  1. Call 9-1-1
  2. Perform rescue breathing
  3. Administer naloxone

Oregon’s Good Samaritan Overdose Law
If someone overdoses and you call for medical help, you cannot be arrested or prosecuted for:

  • Possessing drugs or drug paraphernalia
  • Being in a place where drugs are used
  • Violating probation or parole because of drug use or possession
  • Outstanding warrant because of drug use or possession

Good Samaritan Overdose Law

Start a Harm Reduction Program

Watch our recorded trainings on how to start a harm reduction program and support people who use substances.

Harm Reduction Training Part 1 – September 15, 2022

  • History of harm reduction
  • How to talk about harm reduction
  • Syringe access
  • Laws and safety related to services
  • Overdose reversal medications
  • Supportive resources

Watch the recording | Passcode: ?anA41Hk

Harm Reduction Training Part 2 - September 22, 2022

  • How to deliver harm reduction services
  • Substance use and trauma
  • Blood borne pathogens
  • Safe syringe handling

Watch the recording | Passcode: T8z3&t9x

More Information

Research


Contact Us

Multnomah County Harm Reduction Clinic
12425 NE Glisan St, Portland
503-988-0577

Open Monday and Thursday, 11am - 7pm