MCHD urges Naloxone use as critical lifesaving tool in opioid crisis 5-29-26

May 29, 2026

MCHD urges Naloxone use as critical lifesaving tool in opioid crisis

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is reinforcing a critical message in the fight against the opioid crisis: naloxone saves lives, and it does not encourage drug use.

Naloxone is a safe, effective medication that reverses opioid overdoses and restores breathing in minutes. Its purpose is simple — keep someone alive long enough to receive care and, ultimately, a chance at recovery. Without it, many overdoses would be fatal before help can arrive.

Individuals using opioids often have little control over what substances they are actually consuming. Illicit drugs are frequently mixed with powerful synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, as well as other dangerous substances including animal tranquilizers like xylazine. These combinations significantly increase the risk of sudden death, often without warning.

“Naloxone is about saving lives, not enabling use,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Mobile County Health Officer. “The reality is that many individuals don’t know their drugs are laced with fentanyl or other dangerous substances until it’s too late. Naloxone gives us a chance to intervene before a life is lost.”

MCHD urges all residents to carry naloxone when possible and to act quickly in the event of an overdose. If naloxone is administered, it is essential to call 911 immediately. Even if the individual appears to recover, the effects of opioids can outlast naloxone, and additional medical care may be necessary. In many cases, especially when multiple substances are involved, more than one dose of naloxone and advanced life-saving treatment in an emergency room setting may be required.

Recognizing an overdose and responding quickly can mean the difference between life and death. Signs may include slowed or stopped breathing, unresponsiveness, and blue or gray lips or fingernails.

MCHD offers services to help people who use substances stay safer and healthier so they can seek treatment when they are ready. Narcan is now widely available — over the counter, by prescription from private providers, through mail order from the Jefferson County Health Department, at our Prevention and Wellness kiosks located throughout Mobile County, and through peer counselor programs that connect individuals to overdose response tools and recovery support. To request your free Narcan rescue kit, you may visit https://nextdistro.org/alnarcan.

MCHD suggests not storing Naloxone or Narcan in an automobile as extreme heat and cold can affect it. While the medication is surprisingly resilient and will still work in an emergency, exposing it to extreme temperatures can degrade its effectiveness or cause physical changes.