Heard about us on the radio?
Overdose is at an all-time high among Black Philadelphians and we need to talk about that.
In 2021, for the first time, more Black Philadelphians died of an overdose than any other racial group, replacing white Philadelphians. While the overdose rate for some groups decreased, overdose deaths among Black Philadelphians increased 87 percent from 2018 to 2022.
Whether you, or a loved one, are buying Percocet (percs) or Xanax (xanies) on the street, partying with cocaine, or using other drugs, such as dope or lean, it’s important to know that we have tools to keep each other safer, healthier, and alive.
Fentanyl or Xylazine test strips can help you check your drugs to make sure that what you take is actually what you thought you purchased.
Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a safe and easy-to-use nasal spray you can use to revive someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose.
These resources, and more, are available free of charge throughout Philadelphia.
Where To Get Resources
Get resources at a pop-up or community event.
The City’s Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction (SUPHR) hosts, or attends, pop-up and community events across the city where you can pick up naloxone, test strips, and other harm reduction resources. Visit our events page to find an event.
Get naloxone at a pharmacy.
In 2014, the Pennsylvania Department of Health released a standing order, which allows anyone to visit a pharmacy and receive naloxone without a prescription. The medication can be billed to your insurance and combined with a $75 co-pay assistance coupon. Visit the get supplies page to find a pharmacy near you.
Recently, Narcan became available over the counter at pharmacies and major retailers, such as CVS or Walmart. This means you will not need to speak to a pharmacist or bill your insurance. You can simply grab it from a shelf, pay, and leave. It retails for around $45. Call or visit your local store for more details and availability.
Get resources from a community partner.
SUPHR works with a number of community organizations to distribute supplies. Visit the get supplies page to see a list of organizations, their contact information, and where to find them.
Get resources at your door.
Keep an eye out for folks in your neighborhood dressed in royal blue. They are members of the Philly Counts team, a group of outreach workers from the City’s Office of Community Empowerment, began a door knocking campaign in October 2023. This campaign is designed to raise awareness about rising drug overdose deaths in Black and brown communities in Philadelphia.
The project aims to hit more than 100,000 doors in certain zip codes, focusing on “hot spots” for overdose outside of Kensington. The Philly Counts team will provide education and an opioid crisis resource kit that includes naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and an informational booklet about how to access substance use treatment.
Get resources from an overdose awareness training.
SUPHR hosts two virtual overdose awareness and reversal trainings each month. When you register for a training, you can request to have naloxone mailed to you.
Get supplies for your group.
Are you part of a group or organization that can give out naloxone or test strips? Submit a request to register as a partner and receive a harm reduction supply.
Get resources mailed to you.
Having trouble finding resources near you?
Our partner, NEXT Distro, can discreetly mail free naloxone and test strips to any residence in the city. You do not need insurance to receive supplies through this service.
