Overdose prevention

Overdose prevention is vital to the health and safety of all Boston's residents. Learn about how we educate, train, and provide resources to equip our residents with tools to support one another.

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In 2024, Boston recorded the lowest number of overdose deaths in nine years, with a 38% decrease in opioid overdose mortality compared to 2023. Opioid-related overdose deaths have disproportionately impacted Black and Latinx Boston residents in recent years. Black and Latinx residents experienced a 58% and 48% decrease in overdose deaths, respectively, in 2024.

The data are encouraging, but there is still work to be done. We will continue to emphasize the need for equitable access to harm reduction, prevention, and treatment services in Boston. Each life lost to overdose is a tragedy.

Overdose deaths are preventable, and can be prevented by laypeople.

Have questions? Contact us:
617-534-7842
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Overdose Prevention Training

Each year in Boston, more than 10,000 residents undergo training on how to administer naloxone, the life-saving medication that reverses an opioid overdose. We offer free overdose prevention training for individuals and organizations.

Self-Paced Training

Our self-paced, online training is intended for anyone interested in learning about recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose. This training is available in English and Spanish. In addition to the core overdose prevention module, our training includes two optional modules:

Emerging Trends in the Boston Drug Supply
Overdose Prevention for Organizations

TAKE Self-Paced Training

Live Training

These trainings are intended for organizations interested in a more interactive training that includes demonstrations and time for questions. Trainings are offered in English and Spanish and can be in-person or virtual. If the training is in-person, the trainer can bring naloxone, fentanyl test strips, rescue breathing masks, and resource cards for participants.

Request LIve Training

Naloxone

Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is an FDA-approved medication that quickly reverses an opioid overdose. It works by blocking the effects of opioids, which temporarily reverses an overdose. Naloxone is a temporary solution; seeking immediate medical help after administering naloxone is crucial.

Request naloxone

How to Get Naloxone

For Residents

Talk with your health care provider about getting a prescription and what your insurance covers. In Massachusetts, pharmacies can dispense and bill your insurance for the cost of naloxone.
Buy naloxone over the counter. Naloxone purchased without a prescription will not be covered by insurance. Check out the map below to find locations that offer over-the-counter naloxone.
Free mailed kits: Massachusetts residents can receive overdose prevention kits (including naloxone) for free.

For Organizations

Attend and complete a live in-person overdose prevention training.
Request naloxone in bulk via Boston Public Health Commission (maximum 36 kits).
Apply for access to free and discounted naloxone through the Massachusetts Community Naloxone Program.

Over-the-counter naloxone

As of March 29, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for Narcan, a 4mg naloxone nasal spray, to be available without a prescription. Narcan is accessible in drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and online.

Cost-Sharing

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has announced that it will now fully cover the cost of Narcan for over-the-counter use. MassHealth and several other insurers cover prescription Narcan. Medicare, following FDA approval, also plans to provide coverage for over-the-counter naloxone with no cost-sharing. As for other insurers, coverage for the over-the-counter version may vary.

Find naloxone near you

Looking for naloxone in Boston? Use the Boston Naloxone Map to find locations that offer free or over-the-counter naloxone. Organizations in Boston can click the button below to request naloxone in bulk (maximum 36 kits).

REQUEST NALOXONE

This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Public Health Advisories

Health Advisories

Xylazine Advisory

Detection systems are increasingly identifying a non-opioid tranquilizer called xylazine in street drug samples from Massachusetts. The presence of xylazine in the street drug supply concerns public health officials. The tranquilizer contributes to oversedation and increases the risk of injury and fatal overdose. We're asking healthcare providers, outreach workers, and the general public to be vigilant.

Check for signs of an overdose where xylazine may be involved. Please call 911 if someone is experiencing an overdose. You can call 311 if someone needs services related to substance use issues. Our full advisory about xylazine is available online. We also created a print flyer.

Cocaine Advisory

In 2021, 12% of cocaine samples tested in Boston were found to contain fentanyl. We urge you to remain vigilant for signs of opioid overdose, especially among individuals who use cocaine. We offer resources for preventing fatal overdoses, including drug testing for fentanyl, naloxone, and overdose rescue training.