Be Safe, Get Narcan

Take steps to protect you and yours today and everyday. Keep Narcan on hand in case of an accidental overdose or emergency.
Page updated on March 27, 2026 at 6:36 PM
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Narcan

On April 5, 2018, the US surgeon general issued an advisory recommending that Americans carry Narcan, the opioid overdose-reducing drug. Read below to find out how you can get this life-saving drug quickly and cheaply. 

Narcan® (also known as Naloxone) is a safe, effective antidote for opioids. It can stop an overdose and restore normal breathing until emergency response can arrive. It is easy to get and easy to use.

This medication is not just for people with an opioid dependence or addiction. If you or a loved one are prescribed opioid painkillers, or are taking opioids, you should have Narcan on hand. The Virginia Board of Medicine requires that physicians prescribe Narcan if opioid prescriptions exceed 120 MME per day.

Opioid overdose death rates were reduced by half in communities providing access to Narcan.

Get Narcan in Alexandria

  • Alexandria Health Department's Main Office or Teen Wellness Center Clinics (free). No appointment necessary - just walk in and ask a staff member for Narcan. 
  • Most pharmacies in Virginia. 
    • Ask about cost. Most insurance plans will cover it or offer it for a co-pay of $10 or less. 

Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables), according to the CDC. 

You can pick up free fentanyl test strips at AHD. 

  • Come to our Main Office (4th Floor at 4850 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22311) during normal business hours. 
  • Ask the registration desk for test strips and instructions on how to use them. We will not ask why. 

Narcan® is: 1) Not a substitute for emergency medical care; 2) Repeated doses may be necessary; 3) Designed for community use outside of a medical setting; 4) A single dose device is ready for rapid deployment by a bystander with no specialized training 

For more information about Opioid Addiction Treatment services and the steps the City is taking to protect residents from the opioid epidemic, please visit alexandriava.gov/Opioids.