Keeping Narcan Current Keeps Ashland Strong

In April 2022, two Ashland County deputies accidentally came into contact with fentanyl during a routine call. Within minutes, both began to overdose. Their story could have ended there—but it didn’t. Thanks to Narcan, they survived.

That moment wasn’t just about saving two individuals. It was a reminder of what’s possible when people look out for one another. Narcan is more than a medication. It’s a way for neighbors, coworkers, and family members to step in when seconds matter. Every life saved with Narcan is a reminder that compassion and preparedness go hand in hand.

Why Narcan Matters

Narcan, the brand name for naloxone, is a safe medicine that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, giving someone the chance to breathe again and stay alive until further medical help arrives.

Across Ashland County, Narcan has prevented tragedies—allowing more people to return to their families, their jobs, and their communities. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your story is—Narcan is designed for moments of crisis, when someone’s future hangs in the balance.

But Narcan doesn’t last forever. It expires after about three years. If your supply is out of date, it may not work in an emergency. That’s why it’s important to check the label and replace expired Narcan with a fresh dose. A quick glance at the expiration date could be the difference between losing someone and saving them.

Where to Get Free Replacement Narcan

Replacing Narcan is simple—and it doesn’t cost a thing. In Ashland County, you can get free Narcan from:

• ACCADA – 310 College Avenue, Ashland
  
  
• Appleseed Community Mental Health Center
  
  
• Ashland County Health Department
  
  
• Any pharmacy in Ashland County
  
  

These locations exist because people in our community care enough to make lifesaving tools accessible to everyone. When you stop by, you’re not only protecting yourself—you’re contributing to a stronger, safer Ashland County. You’ll walk away better prepared to protect the people around you, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you could save a life.

Who Should Have Narcan?

Overdose can happen anywhere. It might be a neighbor, a friend, a coworker—or even someone just passing through. Narcan is for everyone, because all of us have the chance to step in and save a life.

That’s why Narcan is showing up in more places across Ashland County: first aid kits in homes, offices, and schools; behind the counters of local businesses; in patrol cars and community centers. When Narcan is close at hand, it means that a lifesaving response is never far away.

Think about the spaces you move through every day. A classroom. A warehouse. A restaurant. A church. Each is a place where people gather, and each is a place where an emergency could unfold. By making Narcan available in these environments, we strengthen the safety net that protects our entire community.

The more people who keep Narcan nearby, the greater the chance that an overdose becomes not a fatal event, but a moment of compassion and rescue. It doesn’t take special training or medical expertise—just a willingness to be ready. Carrying Narcan is one of the simplest, most practical ways we can care for one another and keep Ashland County healthy.

Take Action Today

Take a moment to check your Narcan. If it’s expired—or if you don’t have any at all—replace it today for free at a local provider. It only takes a few minutes, but those few minutes could one day save a life.

The story of those deputies in 2022 is just one example. Every life saved with Narcan is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our neighbors and loved ones. Don’t wait until it’s too late—make sure your Narcan is current, and encourage those around you to do the same.