Frequently Asked Questions

Does having naloxone on hand provide a safety net for active users, encouraging or increasing drug use?

Just like seat belts and speed limits do not encourage dangerous driving, providing access to naloxone to people at risk of overdose does not encourage or increase drug use. Studies report that naloxone does not encourage drug use, and in fact, has been shown to decrease it in some circumstances and increase individuals’ desire to seek drug treatment. Naloxone also causes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms in people dependent on opioids, an experience no one who uses opioids aims to achieve.

Who is eligible to enroll in the Overdose Prevention Program?

Organizations eligible to enroll and distribute naloxone include but are not limited to; substance use and mental health treatment providers, shelters, housing coalitions, hospital emergency departments, maternity units, federally qualified health centers, sober living homes, veteran service organizations, recovery community organizations, peer networks, and colleges or universities. Any organization that interfaces with individuals at risk of witnessing or experiencing an overdose is encouraged to apply. Organizations more suited for other programs will be referred appropriately.

Priority to receive naloxone kits is given to distributors that are willing to provide takehome or leave behind kits to individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose and to friends, family members, or caregivers who may witness an overdose.

Is there a cost?

No. The Overdose Prevention Program provides naloxone free of charge to the distributors.

What are the requirements?

Enrolled distributors receiving naloxone kits must comply with the below requirements.
 Complete an approved Overdose Recognition and Response Training.
 Distribute a minimum of two take-home naloxone kits (four doses), free of charge, to individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose and/or to family members, friends, or caregivers who may witness an opioid overdose, along with the proper education to use the medication. It is highly recommended to offer additional kits for friends and family.
 Submit a monthly naloxone distribution report. Monthly reporting requirements will be confirmed by the program team during enrollment. If an organization misses three months of reporting, the Department reserves the right to stop processing all orders until information is submitted.

If enrolled distributors use the iSaveFL logo on printed materials, do media interviews, written or oral, they must include acknowledgement text of “in partnership or collaboration with Florida Department of Children and Families.”

The Overdose Recognition and Response Education Presentation is provided by the Overdose Prevention Program to enrolled distributors and can be used for trainings and education but must be placed in the distributor’s slide deck. Distributors must include a slide with the ISAVEFL logo and text that states that naloxone kits are provided by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

The Department reserves the right to discontinue supplying naloxone kits to an organization that is out of compliance with any of the listed requirements.

How does my organization enroll?

Organizations interested in receiving free naloxone should send an email to [email protected] and allow six to 10 business days for a response. A team member will then reach out to set up a new enrollment call. The enrollment call will cover the expectations of the program, provide necessary documents and outline the steps to submit the enrollment packet to the program. If an organization does not meet the parameters of the Overdose Prevention Program, the organization will be referred to appropriate resources. Once the enrollment packets are submitted, they are reviewed and processed by the Department. A program team member will reach out for any additional information needed and process the enrollment.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of kits an organization can order?

The minimum number of kits that can be ordered for the 4mg and 8mg formulations is 12 kits. The minimum number of kits that can be ordered for 3mg formulation is 24 kits.

The maximum number of kits depends on how large the community is that the organization is serving and the demonstrated distribution history of the organization.

When can a distributor expect the first order?

The first order is dependent on the formulation of product being requested. Typically, this is no longer than one to two weeks. If your organization has enrolled and has not received a notice or order within the two weeks, reach out to the Department.

Can distributors provide naloxone to individuals that are not receiving services?

Yes, all individuals are eligible to receive naloxone kits. Individuals do not have to be receiving services; however, distributors are encouraged to provide additional resources to connect to treatment and services. Kits can also be given to friends and family of those receiving services. Reach out to the program to obtain stickers, one-pagers, and other product specific materials for your organization. [email protected].

What is required for data reporting?

Enrolled distributors must complete an Overdose Prevention Program Monthly Report via a link that is provided once the enrollment process is complete. These reports are to be submitted monthly between the 1st and 15th of the month to account for the previous month.

Enrolled distributors are expected to submit the number of kits distributed, number of reversals reported, number of reversals on-site, as well as number and type of participants for community trainings. Some distributors do collect demographic information such as zip code, however, this is not something required for the program.

The Department does not want any identifying information collected such as name, address, phone number, or date of birth as this may be considered a barrier to receiving the naloxone. No identifying information is collected by the Department and highly encourages NOT collecting or requiring any identifying information to receive kits.

Is my organization required to be listed on the iSaveFL naloxone locator?

No, this is completely voluntary.

Are any additional policies required?

A Non-Patient Specific Standing Order is only required for the 8mg formulation.

The organization will need to operate under a non-patient specific naloxone standing order, authorized by a licensed prescriber, to make naloxone kits available to individuals at risk of witnessing or experiencing an opioid overdose. A sample non-patient specific naloxone standing order for distributors can be provided upon request. Review with your organization to determine the appropriate adjustments needed for your organization.

Are there any restrictions?

Supplanting funds is strictly prohibited. Supplant is defined as replacing funding of a recipient’s existing program with funds from this federal grant. However, funds may be used to supplement or expand local funding for the purchase of naloxone.

The kits provided cannot be sold, charged through insurance, used as incentives for paid trainings, or shipped outside of Florida. This may be cause for immediate disenrollment from the program.