PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Department of Public Health launched a campaign today to encourage residents to carry and use naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. In 2017, more than 7,000 overdoses were reversed by Philadelphia Fire Department, Police Department and SEPTA Police. Community organizations and residents reversed many overdoses in addition. Nonetheless, in 2017 approximately 1,200 people in Philadelphia died of drug overdose, which means that more widespread use of naloxone has the potential to save many more lives.
The campaign features an informative image intended to demonstrate the ease of administering naloxone with the tagline, “Saving a Life Can Be This Easy.” The campaign follows through on one of the 18 recommendations of the Mayor’s Task Force to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
“Nothing is more meaningful that saving a human life,” said Thomas Farley MD, the Health Commissioner for Philadelphia. “Anyone in contact with others who use opioids today has the chance to save a life and become a hero. As the campaign shows, it’s easy, but it starts by carrying and being prepared to use naloxone.”
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An estimated 168,000 people in Philadelphia are using prescription painkillers and there are an estimated 70,000 heroin users living in the City. Since July 1, 2017 the City has distributed over 25,000 doses of naloxone to various organizations.
“Naloxone saves lives,” said Philadelphia Fire Department Assistant Deputy Commissioner Crystal Yates. “Carrying naloxone can be just as important as learning CPR.”
Due to the Pennsylvania Physician General’s Standing Order (PDF), Philadelphians can obtain naloxone at any pharmacy that carries it without the need for an individual prescription. The drug is sold under the brand names Narcan and Evzio. While some people may have a copay for brand Narcan, the generic version may be free.
The Health Department’s naloxone media campaign will appear in print publications, billboards and social media. The advertisements will direct people to visit: PhillyNaloxone.com, a website that educates people on signs and symptoms of an overdose as well as providing information about training and how to obtain naloxone.