Why Keep Naloxone in Your Workplace?
In Virginia, from 2016 to 2025, there were 15,341 fatal opioid overdoses, including 899 in the Fairfax Health District.
Any workplace could face an opioid overdose event, including employees, customers or visitors, and naloxone is an effective tool for reversing opioid overdoses when combined with calling 9-1-1 and other first-aid measures.
Naloxone distribution plans can be beneficial to increase naloxone availability among lay rescuers and decrease deaths from opioid-related overdoses, as noted by the American Heart Association in their 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.
With the right tools, bystanders can act to prevent overdose deaths. Anyone can carry or use naloxone, give it to someone experiencing an overdose and potentially save a life.
- Get Started - Begin to Document the Plan — This can be as simple or as detailed as you like. Outline the key elements below in a document, such as identifying a staff lead, outlining what to do if naloxone is used, and setting a process to keep supplies and training up to date.
- Designate a Staff Lead — Make someone the point of contact for your workplace to make sure staff are educated and know the location of naloxone. This coordinator can also be responsible for tracking inventory, including replacing and disposing of expired naloxone.
- Purchase Naloxone and Make it Readily Available —Purchase your naloxone supply. Determine the best quantity and location(s) for naloxone in your workplace. Be sure to check the expiration dates so your naloxone remains effective.
- Train Staff — Education about recognizing overdoses and administering naloxone is readily available. There are many places online (see our resources section below) and training can often be completed in less than an hour. Ten-minute Fairfax County training videos are available in English and Spanish.
- Set a Schedule to Check In and Refresh — Make sure that the staff lead checks in regularly to see that supplies are where they should be and that medication has not expired. Set up regular reminders or training opportunities for staff.
More About Naloxone from the CDC
Naloxone can reverse an overdose from opioids — including fentanyl, heroin and prescription opioid medications — and potentially save a life when given in time. While naloxone will not reverse overdoses from other drugs, it's always best to use it if you think someone is overdosing. According to the FDA, naloxone will not harm someone who does not have opioids in their system.
Purchasing Naloxone
Naloxone is available in all 50 states over the counter. Check your local pharmacy, convenience store, grocery store or gas station to find where you can buy naloxone. Large quantities of naloxone can be purchased from online vendors.
Resources
- Free naloxone training for community members from the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
- Virginia Department of Health Naloxone Distribution to Community Partners
- Some community organizations can partner with VDH to receive free naloxone to distribute to community members. Learn more.
- Virginia Legal Protections in Overdose Response
- CDC’s Naloxone Topic Page