Naloxone/Narcan®
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone can ONLY reverse an overdose caused by opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone and other opioid prescription medications. There are three different types of naloxone: injectable, auto injectable, and a nasal spray (Narcan®).
While naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose, further medical care is still necessary. Even after receiving a dose of naloxone, the person will go back into withdrawal after 45 minutes to an hour. Call 911 immediately if you suspect an opioid overdose.
An opioid overdose is a serious, life-threatening emergency which requires immediate medical attention. Please call 911 immediately if you witness anyone exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Unconsciousness
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Gurgling noises or vomiting
- Fingernails or lips turning blue/purple
- Pale and/or clammy face
- Limp body
If you or someone you know takes prescription opioids or shows signs of opioid addiction, it is important to have naloxone on hand in case of an emergency overdose. Use this tool by Sonoran Prevention Works to find where to access naloxone near you.
Additionally, individuals are able to purchase naloxone from any Arizona-licensed pharmacy without a prescription.
Pima County Health Department’s Community Mental Health and Addiction team offer free Narcan® training where you can learn more about recognizing and Opioid overdose and use of Narcan®. Please click here for more information and to register or email at CMHA@pima.gov.
Needle Exchange
Needle exchange programs operate in multiple locations throughout Pima County. Needle exchange programs provide a place for individuals to obtain clean syringes (often in exchange for their dirty syringes), and other safe injecting supplies. In addition, needle exchange can provide an important link to care including substance use treatment, and infectious disease testing.
Mondays 9am – 12pm
Theresa Lee Public Health Center
1493 W. Commerce Court
Tucson, AZ 85746
Come in through the West door labeled Preparedness, Surveillance and Investigation.
1493 W. Commerce Court
Tucson, AZ 85746
Come in through the West door labeled Preparedness, Surveillance and Investigation.
Tuesday 10am – 2pm
East Clinic
6020 E. Broadway Blvd. Suite B
Tucson, AZ 85710
Tucson, AZ 85710
Fridays 10am – 2pm
North Clinic
3550 N. 1st Ave
Tucson, AZ 85705
Tucson, AZ 85705
What is Provided?
- A clean syringe for every used one you bring in
- Supply bag (alcohol wipes, cookers, etc.)
- Linkage to rapid Hep. C and HIV testing
- SUD treatment information
Monday and Wednesdays from 4pm – 7pm
375 S Euclid Ave
Tucson, AZ 85719
What is Provided?
- 1-1 exchange
- Clean needles even if you don’t have any to exchange
- Supplies when available (alcohol wipes, cookers, etc.)
Sundays from 9am to 11am
Z Mansion
288 S Church St.
Tucson, AZ 85701
For more information, please check their Facebook here.
- Don’t share needles, cotton, or cookers.
- Wash your hands before handling works.
- Use a new needle every time.
- Drink lots of water. It’s good for your veins.
- Use clean water for cooking.
- Cotton from cigarettes can cause abscesses.
- Use clean cotton.
- Wipe skin with alcohol pads before injecting this helps prevent abscesses.
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About PimaHelpLine.org
Pima Helpline is a community-driven and community-made resource. We realize that everybody needs support for mental health, substance use, or addiction at some point in their life. We also know that looking for treatment can be confusing and scary.
We believe that is should be easy for Pima County residents to find help for mental health, substance use, and addiction. To achieve this, we created Pima Helpline as a centralized place to find mental health and addiction treatment, services, and support.