Opioid overdose can happen fast. Having Narcan nearby can give someone a second chance while emergency help is on the way.
In California, access to naloxone has expanded through pharmacies, community programs, and treatment centers. This guide explains MedMark’s Narcan initiative, who it helps, how Narcan is used, and what to do next if you or someone you care about may need support.
What the Narcan Initiative Means
MedMark’s Narcan initiative in California is an overdose prevention effort centered on access, education, and connection to care.
At participating MedMark and BAART Programs locations in California, people may receive Narcan during clinic visits. Staff also explain overdose warning signs, how to use naloxone, and what to do in an emergency. The goal is to place life-saving medication and clear guidance in the hands of people most likely to need it or witness an overdose.
Why This Matters in California
Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose caused by fentanyl, heroin, or prescription opioids when it is given in time. California has also expanded access through public health programs and lower-cost options, making it easier for residents to get naloxone before an emergency happens (US Food and Drug Administration, 2023).
Overdose prevention depends on both access and knowing how to respond quickly.
Wider naloxone access can help:
- Reduce delays in an overdose emergency
- Equip families and bystanders to act quickly
- Support people at risk while they consider treatment
- Expand overdose prevention beyond medical settings
Important: Narcan is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Always call 911 and seek emergency medical help immediately after giving Narcan, even if the person wakes up or appears to improve. They should be monitored by medical professionals because overdose symptoms can return, and additional doses may be needed.
Who the Initiative Is For
This initiative is designed for people most likely to need Narcan or use it in an emergency.
It can be especially useful for:
- People at risk of opioid overdose
- Family members and friends
- People in treatment who want Narcan at home
- Anyone likely to witness an overdose
This is especially important for people exposed to fentanyl or other opioids. Naloxone is designed to reverse an opioid overdose and does not work for non-opioid overdoses.
What People Receive
The exact process may vary, but the initiative is built around practical, immediate support.
People may receive:
- Narcan or another naloxone product
- Clear instructions on when and how to use it
- Education on opioid overdose warning signs
- Guidance on the event of an overdose
- A path to treatment if ongoing opioid use is unable to be stopped or struggling to stop
This keeps things safety-first aligned while also making room for treatment when someone is ready. Individuals leave with something immediately useful: medication, education, and next steps.
How to Use Narcan in an Emergency
Step-By-Step Guidance
Common signs of opioid overdose include:
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
- Blue or gray lips or nails
- Gurgling or choking sounds
- Trouble waking up or no response
If you think someone may be overdosing:
- Try to wake the person by shouting their name or rubbing your knuckles firmly on their sternum
- Call 911 right away
- Give Narcan as directed on the package
- Support breathing if needed
- Stay with the person until emergency help arrives
- Give a second dose (which is a new Narcan bottle) if there is no response after 2 to 3 minutes
Naloxone is generally safe to use even if you are not fully sure opioids are involved. More than one dose may be needed, especially in fentanyl-related overdoses. Even after Narcan is given, the person still needs emergency medical care (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025).
Where People Can Get Narcan in California
MedMark’s initiative is one access point, but it is not the only one.
In California, people may also get naloxone through:
- Retail pharmacies
- Community programs
- Local public health efforts
- State-supported access programs
- Online purchasing options available to California residents
Narcan nasal spray is now available over the counter in the US. California residents may also be able to get naloxone from pharmacies, online retailers, or local organizations.
Wider availability matters because overdose emergencies are unpredictable, and naloxone is most useful when it is nearby before it is needed (California Department of Public Health, n.d.).
When Overdose Prevention Should Lead to Treatment
Narcan can save a life in the moment. It does not treat opioid use disorder on its own.
If overdoses, withdrawal, cravings, or fentanyl exposure are part of everyday life, it may be time to talk about treatment. MedMark’s outpatient opioid treatment programs in California offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), counseling, and support services, with telehealth admissions available at California locations (MedMark Treatment Centers, n.d.).
If you’re considering treatment, helpful questions to ask include:
- What treatment options do you offer?
- How soon can I start?
- What counseling is included?
- Do you accept my insurance?
- What should I bring to my first visit?
To learn more about Narcan, overdose prevention, or treatment options, start with MedMark’s California locations page to find your nearest center, ask questions, and verify insurance before your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Narcan
Is Narcan the same as naloxone?
Narcan is a brand name for naloxone. Naloxone is the medication that reverses an opioid overdose, and Narcan is one of the most widely known nasal spray versions.
Who should keep Narcan at home?
Anyone at risk of opioid overdose should consider keeping Narcan nearby. It can also be important for family members, roommates, caregivers, and friends who may need to respond in an emergency.
Can you use Narcan if you are not sure it is an opioid overdose?
Yes. Naloxone is generally safe to use if you suspect an opioid overdose, even if you are not completely sure. You should still call 911 right away.
References
- California Department of Public Health (n.d.) Naloxone. Accessed 16 April 2026. Available at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/Pages/Naloxone.aspx
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2025) Lifesaving Naloxone. Accessed 16 April 2026. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html
- MedMark Treatment Centers (n.d.) California Locations. Accessed 16 April 2026. Available at: https://medmark.com/locations/california
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2023) FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray. 29 March. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-over-counter-naloxone-nasal-spray
