Harm Reduction Services

Naloxone Kits

Risk Associated with Meth in the Community

Hamilton Opioid Information System

Hamilton Public Health Services is collaborating with Hamilton Paramedic Services, Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, and community partners to provide timely opioid-related information to the public.

Opioid Information System

Find a naloxone kit near you

Naloxone is available free of charge, at many community pharmacies. Not all pharmacies carry naloxone kits. Call ahead to check if your pharmacy has naloxone kits in stock. You can also ask the pharmacist any questions you might have.

Where to get free Naloxone kits

You can also call ConnexOntario helpline.

Call 1-866-531-2600

www.ontario.ca/naloxone

open naloxone kit showing contents (syringe, rubber gloves, naloxone vials)

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a safe medication that can be used to temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids include drugs like heroin, hydromorphone, codeine, methadone, and fentanyl.

During an opioid overdose, a person’s breathing can slow down or stop completely. Naloxone can be given to reverse the effects of the opioid and to help improve breathing while waiting for an emergency response.

Naloxone is available in kits, in injectable or nasal (Narcan) form.

Hamilton Public Health Services works with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to offer naloxone kits and training, and to support local agencies in distributing naloxone. Download the Naloxone Availability Flowchart(PDF, 352.03 KB) for more information.

How to get Free Naloxone

Naloxone for Agencies, Pharmacies, and Businesses

How to Use Naloxone in an Opioid Overdose

Free take-home naloxone kits are available at select pharmacies and community agencies in Hamilton—no prescription needed.

Public Health Services partners with shelters, outreach programs, and other community agencies to distribute harm reduction supplies and naloxone. If you’re connected with a community agency and need naloxone, ask if they provide it or can help you access it.

Kits are for people at risk of an opioid overdose, their friends and family, and anyone who may need to respond to an overdose. You can pick up a kit and receive naloxone training at participating locations.

You can pick-up naloxone at any of the following locations in Hamilton, during operating hours:

Address	Details
The VAN Needle Syringe Program	Evening hours: Monday to Sunday 7pm to 11pm Daytime hours: Wednesday & Thursday 11am to 3pm Call or text the Van 905-317-9966
Positive Health Network (formerly The AIDS Network)	140 King St East, Suite 101, Hamilton Call 1-866-563-0563 for more information.
Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre – Main Site	430 Cannon St East,Hamilton Call 905-522-3233 for more information.
Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre -Satellite Centre	70 James St. South, Hamilton 1-4:30pm Monday to Friday
HAMSMaRT	660 Main St. E. Hamilton, ON L8M 1J8 Call 1-833-426-7678
Good Shepherd Health Clinic	850 King St. East, Hamilton Call 905-526-7137
Good Shepherd Health on Wheels	Call 365-833-9382 Mobile health clinic schedule
Alternatives for Youth	Suite 304 - 460 Main St. East, Hamilton Call 289-768-0014 After April 9, 2025, call 905-527-4469 Naloxone available to youth aged 12-25, and parents/caregivers of youth aged 12-25 by appointment only. Call to schedule an appointment.
Compass Community Health	438 Hughson St. North, Hamilton Call 905-523-6611 ext 2000 View hours

For a list of pharmacies distributing naloxone in Hamilton, see the location map from the Ministry of Health.

Naloxone for Community Agencies or Programs

Local organizations—including health centres, community service agencies, outreach programs, and shelters—can apply to join the Ontario Naloxone Program (ONP) to distribute naloxone. Additional organizations may also be eligible if they reach target populations and fill a gap in access to naloxone.

Hamilton Public Health Services helps local agencies through the application process. To apply:

Review the criteria on the Ontario Take-Home Naloxone Programs webpage to determine if your agency or program is eligible.
Fill out the Agency Statement of Need Survey(PDF, 198.05 KB)
Email the completed Statement of Need Survey to [email protected].

Public Health Services will submit an application to the Ontario Naloxone Program of the Ministry of Health for approval.

Once an application is approved, a legal agreement, certificate of insurance and WSIB letter are required.

Further details will be provided to ONP-approved organizations.

For inquiries related to overdose response, naloxone, and naloxone training for your agency, email [email protected] or call the Harm Reduction Intake Line at 905-546-4276.

Naloxone for Pharmacies

Pharmacists can distribute naloxone to individuals through the Ontario Naloxone Program for Pharmacies (ONPP). Visit the Ontario Take-Home Naloxone Programs webpage for more information.

Naloxone for Businesses

Most businesses do not qualify for free naloxone kits through the Ontario Naloxone Program (ONP), but they can purchase kits directly from a manufacturer.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), certain workplaces must have naloxone on-site in case of an overdose. To find out if your workplace is required to have naloxone, visit Ontario Naloxone in the Workplace.

Naloxone can help when someone is experiencing an opioid overdose. It's important to recognize the signs of an overdose—visit Health Canada for more details.

Most naloxone kits include step-by-step instructions:

Check for a response – Shout and shake the person.
Call 911 – If they are unresponsive, get emergency help.
Give naloxone –
- Nasal spray (Narcan): 1 spray into a nostril.
- Injection: Into the arm or leg.
Perform CPR – Continue chest compressions and rescue breathing.
Give another dose if needed – If there’s no improvement after 2–3 minutes, repeat naloxone.

The unregulated drug supply is toxic and unpredictable, and multiple doses of naloxone may be needed. It is recommended to carry several doses of naloxone.

Remember that naloxone works best when it’s stored at room temperature. Always check your kit for an expiry date.

Additional resources

5 Steps to Respond to an Opioid Overdose (English) (PDF, 688.73 KB)5 Steps to Respond to an Opioid Overdose (French) (PDF, 688.78 KB)Public Health - Be Smart With Sharps poster (PDF, 123.95 KB)Recognize and temporarily reverse an opioid overdose - Ontario.ca Addiction Index - CAMH Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program Canada's Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act

Date modified

April 08, 2025