Summary

• Through this investment, nasal naloxone will make up approximately half of more than 400,000 kits distributed annually
• Nearly 40,000 deaths have been averted with injectable take-home naloxone kits since 2019
• This is an expansion of government’s nasal naloxone pilot program, which was launched in 2024
• Nasal naloxone is a life-saving medication that is administered through the nose and temporarily reverses an opioid overdose or opioid drug poisoning 

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People in more communities throughout the province will have access to nasal naloxone, as the Province takes action to reverse toxic-drug poisonings and save lives.

“We’ve lost too many friends, family members and loved ones to the toxic-drug crisis,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The poisoned supply means anyone – whether they’re using for the first time or have used regularly – faces the risk of a toxic-drug poisoning. Expanding access to nasal naloxone is a vital part of preventing these tragedies, saving lives and building a strong and comprehensive system of mental-health and substance-use care.”   

On top of previous investments, the Province is contributing an additional $18 million into the take-home naloxone program operated by the BC Centre for Disease Control. Through this investment, nasal naloxone will account for approximately half of more than 400,000 kits that are distributed annually. This represents a total investment of $50 million in providing intramuscular and nasal naloxone to individuals who may witness or be at risk of a toxic-drug poisoning.

The kits will be distributed to:

• 150 community sites starting soon
• expanding to all 2,400 take-home naloxone sites beginning in April 2026, including participating pharmacies.

Increasing access to life-saving medication

Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can reverse the effects of drug poisoning or overdose from opioids. Naloxone is available in two forms: intramuscular and intranasal. The two forms of the medication have a similar formula but are administered differently.

This is an expansion of the pilot project, which began in 2024. As part of the pilot project, 60,000 nasal naloxone kits were distributed to community sites and pharmacies, as well as post-secondary institutions, First-Nations-mandated institutions, fire departments, municipalities and libraries.

“I wholeheartedly welcome the expansion of nasal naloxone across B.C.,” said Chloe Goodison, executive director, NaloxHome Society. “Drug poisoning is the leading cause of death for people age 10 to 59, and every community is impacted. Nasal naloxone removes fear and complexity, giving the youth we work with a tool they feel comfortable carrying and confident using in an emergency. This is a life-saving, evidence-based investment that will empower communities and prevent tragic, preventable deaths.”

First responders have been calling for an expansion of nasal naloxone so they will be able to provide more options for those who may be uncomfortable using injectable naloxone in an emergency.

Expanding access to nasal naloxone is part of government’s work to build a voluntary, seamless system of mental-health and substance-use care. This includes 3,785 publicly funded beds that support people with addictions, of which 829 treatment and recovery beds are new since 2017. Other supports include launching the Opioid Treatment Access Line, opening Foundry youth centres, supporting First-Nations healing facilities and building thousands of supportive-housing units.

Quotes:

Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions –

”Life-saving medication like nasal naloxone is an important piece of the puzzle as our government works to stem the tide on the toxic-drug crisis. This expansion means more lives will be saved, as we continue to look for ways to connect people to the care they need.”

Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill –

“Naloxone can save lives by reversing the most severe effects of a toxic-drug poisoning. While it’s incredibly effective, we know that in some situations administering intramuscular naloxone may be a barrier for people. Expanding nasal naloxone will make it easier for first responders, bystanders and the general public to administer in an emergency, and reverse a toxic-drug poisoning, helping more people stay alive and get connected to treatment.”

Tracey Thompson, South Island harm reduction co-ordinator, Island Health –

“Expanding access to nasal naloxone strengthens the safety net that communities have been building together for years. We’ve heard having a nasal option is easier to use in a crisis, especially for those responding for the first time and it’s essential that we continue to offer both intramuscular and nasal naloxone. Ensuring access to the form people feel most confident using means more people are prepared to act quickly and that saves lives.”

Brian Twaites, paramedic public information officer, BC Emergency Health Services –

“Bystanders are often the first to call 911 and respond in many drug-poisoning events and they do incredible work before first responders arrive. Having life-saving medication like nasal naloxone more available in the community will help paramedics respond to these medical emergencies.”  

Dr. Alexis Crabtree, public health physician and medical lead, Harm Reduction and Substance Use Services, BC Centre for Disease Control –

“Carrying naloxone is a way to look out for people in your community who use substances and are at risk of experiencing harms from the unregulated drug supply. The best form of naloxone is the one that you know how to use to respond to a drug poisoning. You can visit a take-home naloxone site in your area to see what resources are available and get training on how to prevent, recognize and respond to an opioid overdose.”

Quick Facts:

• More than 2.9 million take-home naloxone kits have been shipped since the program started in 2012.
• As of October 2025, take-home naloxone kits and training are available at more than 2,400 locations, including 940 community pharmacies in B.C.
• Since 2019, nearly 40,000 deaths have been averted with injectable take-home naloxone.

Learn More:

• To learn how B.C. is building a better system of mental-health and substance-use care, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/BetterCare
• To find out where to access naloxone or get training on how to use naloxone, visit: Toward the Heart: https://towardtheheart.com/
• Download the Connect by Lifeguard app to stay safer.