What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone is available in different formulations, the most common being naloxone nasal spray.
Where can I get naloxone?
Naloxone is available across Virginia — and right here on the Eastern Shore — through several convenient options. Some are free, and others are available for purchase.
Free to Access
Harm Reduction Vending Machines
Get naloxone for free from one of our harm reduction vending machines, located at:Eastern Shore Health District (Accomac)
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital Emergency Room *available 24/7* (Onancock)
ESCSB Outpatient Offices (Parksley and Belle Haven)
These machines offer naloxone and other harm-reduction supplies, accessible with a free code. You may qualify if you or someone you know uses opioids, is at risk of overdose, or works with people who do.
Register online for a code at: escsb.org/harmreduction
- Community Programs and REVIVE! Trainings
The Virginia Department of Health and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) partner with local agencies, including the ESCSB, to distribute naloxone at no cost.
Through Your Healthcare Provider or Local Pharmacy
You can ask your healthcare provider for a prescription for naloxone, or go directly to a participating pharmacy — no individual prescription is required under Virginia’s statewide standing order.
Your cost will depend on your insurance, the pharmacy, and the type of naloxone you receive.
If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist:
“Do you offer naloxone under the standing order?”
“What will it cost with and without insurance?”
Retail Purchase (Over-the-Counter)
Naloxone nasal spray is now available over the counter (OTC) — no prescription needed — at most major pharmacies and retailers, both in stores and online.
The average price for a two-dose pack is around $40–$50, though some locations may offer lower prices or discounts.
You might be able to use insurance, FSA, or HSA funds to cover the purchase in many cases.
How much does naloxone cost?
If you go the “free/low-cost program” route: possibly $0. Check locally for availability.
If you purchase over-the-counter: estimate ~$40-50 for a 2-dose pack, though this may vary.
If you use insurance through a pharmacy or via prescription: cost depends on your plan, pharmacy pricing, and which version of naloxone you receive.
The state of Virginia’s information notes: “Some insurance plans may pay some portion of the cost, but coverage varies widely.”
How store & use naloxone
Store naloxone somewhere accessible (not too hot, not too cold).
If an overdose happens:
Call 911.
Use naloxone as instructed (nasal spray or other form).
Stay with the person until help arrives.
If the person does not wake up or breathing is still shallow after 2–3 minutes, give another dose if available and follow emergency instructions.
Always treat naloxone use as an emergency — even if the person seems okay afterwards, medical evaluation is still important.
Local Resources
Eastern Shore Community Services Board (ESCSB) — Reach us at 757-442-5388. We can help guide you to free naloxone kits, training, or local pharmacies.
Local Health Department — Call the Eastern Shore Health District at 757-787-5880.
REVIVE! Training — Free training available through ESCSB. Check our calendar.
Pharmacies — Most local pharmacies carry over-the-counter naloxone. If not, ask the pharmacist about their standing order naloxone.
Why Carrying Naloxone Matters
Because overdose can happen to anyone using opioids (prescribed pain-medication, illicit opioids, or a mix) and often happens unexpectedly.
Because naloxone is safe — it will not harm someone who is not overdosing on opioids.
Because having naloxone and knowing how to use it improves the chance of survival in an overdose.
Because you may be the one who can save a friend, family member, or neighbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In Virginia, naloxone is available over-the-counter or via pharmacy under a statewide standing order, and many free programs distribute it without requiring a new prescription.
Yes. Many programs encourage friends or family of someone at risk to carry naloxone. Virginia’s laws and programs allow naloxone to be provided to a person who is “in a position to assist someone at risk of an opioid overdose.”
No. It works for overdose on any opioid, including prescription pain-medications. So if someone in your home is using opioids, even legally, carrying naloxone may still be wise.
After using naloxone, the person still needs medical evaluation — call 911 and stay with them until help arrives. Naloxone works temporarily; the opioid effects may return after it wears off.
The FDA says naloxone is safe for anyone. Under Virginia’s Good Samaritan law, you are protected from arrest if you use naloxone, in good faith, to reverse an overdose.