Where to Get Free Narcan in Denver
Narcan (naloxone) reverses opioid overdoses and saves lives. In Denver you can get it for free — no ID, no appointment, no prescription, and no cost. Here's exactly where to go and what to do.
Call 911 immediately
Give Narcan if available, then call 911. Colorado's Good Samaritan Law (C.R.S. 18-1-711) protects you from drug possession charges when you call for help during an overdose.
What is Narcan?
Narcan is a brand name for naloxone — a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose from heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, or other opioids. It works within minutes and is safe to give even if you're unsure whether opioids are involved. It will not hurt someone if they have not taken opioids.
The nasal spray version is the most common. You don't need medical training to use it. Signs of overdose include: not breathing, lips turning blue, pinpoint pupils, won't wake up, gurgling sounds.
Free Narcan locations in Denver
All of the options below are free and confidential
- Denver Public Health — Harm Reduction Program Free naloxone kits, safe use supplies, fentanyl test strips 📞 720-444-7606
- Stout Street Health Center (Colorado Coalition for the Homeless) 2130 Stout St, Denver · Walk in, no appointment, no ID 📞 303-894-3000
- Denver Public Library — Multiple Branches Narcan kits available at the front desk at many Denver branches — ask staff
- NEXT Distro — Mail Order Narcan Free naloxone mailed to you anywhere in Colorado — no ID, no cost nextdistro.org
- Colorado Pharmacies — No Prescription Required State law allows pharmacies to dispense naloxone without a prescription. Many offer it free or low-cost with assistance programs. Ask your local pharmacist.
- Harm Reduction Action Center (HRAC) Syringe services, Narcan, overdose prevention — call for current hours and location 📞 303-894-3700
How to use Narcan nasal spray
- Call 911 first — Tell them someone is unresponsive and may have overdosed.
- Lay the person on their back and tilt their head back slightly to open the airway.
- Peel back the foil and hold the Narcan device with your thumb on the bottom, two fingers on the nozzle.
- Insert the nozzle into one nostril and press the plunger firmly to release the full dose.
- Wait 2–3 minutes. If there is no response, give a second dose in the other nostril.
- Put the person in the recovery position (on their side) to prevent choking if they vomit.
- Stay with them until paramedics arrive. Naloxone wears off in 30–90 minutes — the person may need additional doses.
Naloxone can cause withdrawal symptoms
When Narcan reverses an overdose, the person may wake up in withdrawal — confused, agitated, or in pain. This is normal. Stay calm, reassure them, and keep them from using more drugs before the naloxone wears off. The goal is keeping them alive until help arrives.
Colorado's Good Samaritan Law
Colorado law (C.R.S. 18-1-711) protects people who call 911 during an overdose from prosecution for drug possession. You will not be arrested simply for calling for help. This protection applies to the person who called and the person experiencing the overdose.
The law does not protect against other charges (warrants, distribution, etc.), but drug possession is specifically covered when you make the call in good faith.
Fentanyl test strips
Fentanyl is now found in many drugs, including those not typically associated with opioids. Free fentanyl test strips are available at Denver Public Health's harm reduction program and HRAC. They let you test a small amount of a substance before use to detect fentanyl.