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Overdose Prevention Resources for Nightlife

Find information on trainings, education, access to Naloxone and supplies, and other harm reduction resources.

What is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction is a public health philosophy, which promotes methods of reducing the physical, social, emotional, and economic harms associated with drug and alcohol use and other harmful behaviors on individuals and their community. Harm reduction methods and treatment goals are free of judgment or blame and directly involve the client in setting their own goals.

Screenshot from title page of Overdose Prevention in Nightlife video

Overdose Prevention Training

Overdose Prevention in Nightlife Training Video

Watch the video 


Overdoses from fentanyl have had a devastating impact on San Francisco, and our nightlife and entertainment community has been hit particularly hard.

The Entertainment Commission partnered with SF Department of Public Health and SFGovTV to make this training video on:

  • how to use fentanyl test strips
  • how to recognize a fentanyl overdose
  • how to use Naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray to reverse an overdose

Please share this video widely. Naloxone saves lives.

Learn more about SFDPH’s Overdose Prevention Resources at https://sf.gov/overdose-prevention or contact overdoseprevention@sfdph.org.  

For training information for a business, organization, or group:

Contact overdoseprevention@sfdph.org

Narcan is naloxone.

Recognizing signs of an overdose from fentanyl

  • Not responding and won't wake up
  • Shallow breathing or not breathing
  • Blue or gray skin, lips, or fingernails

How to respond to an overdose from fentanyl

If you do not have naloxone (Narcan), call 911 immediately.

Steps:

1. Verbal stimulation.
Try to wake the person up. Loudly say: "Hey, are you okay?"

2. Physical stimulation.
Rub your knuckles up and down on the center of the chest bone to stimulate pain.

3. Administer naloxone.
Insert nozzle into nostril.
Press plunger firmly.
Administer a second dose after 2 minutes.
Immediately go to steps 4 and 5.

4. Call 911 to get help.
Give the dispatcher your location and tell them someone is not responding or breathing.

5. Rescue breathing.
Pinch nose and tilt head back.
Provide 2 breaths to start.
Then 1 breath every 5 seconds.
The person's chest should rise and fall.
Continue this step until they start breathing.

Image of steps on how to respond to a fentanyl overdose

What to do after someone awakens from an overdose from fentanyl

  • Stay with the person until paramedics arrive.
  • Kindly inform them that they overdosed. "You were not breathing and I had to give you Narcan."

Where to find Naloxone/Narcan

To get a free nasal Naloxone kit and training, visit:

CBHS Pharmacy
1380 Howard St (at 10th St)
San Francisco, CA 94103

Mon – Fri: 9:00am - 6:30pm
Sat and Sun: 9:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 4:00pm

For organizations, businesses, or groups needing more Naloxone/Narcan for their sites, or inquiring about how to distribute Naloxone/Narcan to the communities they serve, visit CBHS Pharmacy at 1380 Howard St, or contact overdoseprevention@sfdph.org.

Where to find Fentanyl Test Strips

You can get up to 10 free Fentanyl Test Strips at:

CBHS Pharmacy
1380 Howard St (at 10th St)
San Francisco, CA 94103

Mon – Fri: 9:00am - 6:30pm
Sat -Sun: 9:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 4:00pm

  • Community organizations and groups can request bulk quantities of Fentanyl Test Strips through CBHS Pharmacy by filling out this request form: https://forms.office.com/g/KKDhqX1ACM. 
    • Please note that an attestation of training (materials provided on the request form) will be required. Please expect to hear from us within 1-2 weeks with pickup instructions once your order is ready.
       
  • Fentanyl Test Strips are also available for purchase at DanceSafe.org and many online retailers by doing a web search for Fentanyl Test Strips.

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