The NARCAN® Behind Every Bar campaign was created by the NYC Office of Nightlife at the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment in partnership with the NYC Department of Health to help bring life-saving opioid overdose prevention tools and resources to the nightlife and hospitality community.
The presence of fentanyl in NYC's drug supply has dramatically increased unintended use, causing the number of overdose deaths to rise. Due to this increase, the Office of Nightlife and the NYC Department of Health have launched the NARCAN® BEHIND EVERY BAR campaign as part of NYC’s harm reduction approach to substance use. The campaign provides access to FREE training where venues, staff, and security can learn how to use naloxone – a medication that can help save a life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose – and can obtain free Overdose Rescue Kits by mail to have in case an overdose occurs.
Naloxone (Narcan®) is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. It only works on opioids, such as heroin, prescription painkillers and fentanyl, but it is safe to use even if opioids are not present.
If you or someone you know uses drugs, including prescription fentanyl, learn about ways to reduce the risk of overdose. If you or someone you know would like to talk to someone about substance use services or treatment, contact NYC Well.
Virtual trainings by the NYC Health Department will cover steps for responding to an opioid overdose with naloxone and will outline options for accessing an Overdose Response Kit in person or by mail.
For questions about naloxone, email naloxone@health.nyc.gov.