Naloxone Ordering Program

Overview

In the 2023 legislative session, the Minnesota Legislature mandated the carrying of naloxone hydrochloride, an opiate or opioid antagonist that reverses opioid overdoses, to select groups in the state, expanding access to the medication as an intervention to prevent opioid overdose deaths in Minnesota. The mandate includes the following groups, who are eligible to use this portal: 

  • Schools (Minnesota Statutes, section 121A.224, subdivision 1):
    • K-12 schools
    • Charter schools
  • Corrections (Minn. Stat. § 241.021, subd. 1)
  • Law Enforcement (Minn. Stat. § 151.37, subd. 12)
  • DHS Licensed Programs (Minn. Stat 245A.242, subd. 1):
    • Substance use disorder treatment programs
    • Children's residential substance use disorder treatment programs
    • Detoxification programs
    • Withdrawal management programs
    • Intensive residential treatment services / residential crisis stabilization programs (IRTS/RCS)
  • Sober Homes (Minn. Stat. § 254B.818, subd. 1)

Other groups, which are not a part of the state mandate but are still eligible to use the Naloxone Portal, include:

  • Tribal Nations
  • Emergency Shelters for People Experiencing Homelessness
  • Syringe Service Programs (SSPs)
  • Community organizations that provide naloxone to 
    • People who use drugs
    • People who are new in recovery
    • People who are unhoused
    • Communities disproportionately impacted by overdose

The Department of Human Services operates a web portal for the above groups. The portal can be used by these groups to order nasal naloxone. The Minnesota Department of Health continues to operate the naloxone standing order system.


How to order naloxone

Step 1: Sign up for the web portal to order naloxone

Go to the following page to register for the ordering portal. Use a shipping address for regular business hours, no PO boxes or home addresses.

Register here: Naloxone Ordering Portal Registration Form

You will be notified by email when your account is approved.

Step 2: Log in and order

After your account is reviewed and approved, you will receive an email notification from Emergent BioSolutions to set up a Narcan Direct account. This account is how you will order naloxone under the State of Minnesota account.

Organizations with existing accounts who have not been given a specific allocation by email are eligible to order up to 2 cases (12 kits per case) of naloxone per calendar month. Additional quantities may be authorized by submitting an exception request by contacting minnesota_naloxone_portal.dhs@state.mn.us.

After ordering:

Throughout the week, DHS staff periodically review orders placed. All orders are subject to review and may require additional information before approval. Upon approval, Narcan Direct will begin the order fulfillment process.

After orders are approved, you will receive a confirmation email summarizing your order. This is not a bill. The State of Minnesota is providing this naloxone at no-cost to your organization.

Shipping and tracking information will be available in your account and will be provided in a second email from Narcan Direct.

Please note: Questions about your shipment should be sent to Narcan Direct at 844-462-7226 or narcandirect@ebsi.com.

Contact information

For questions and technical assistance on naloxone portal processes, contact minnesota_naloxone_portal.dhs@state.mn.us.

If schools or school nurses have questions about anything related to implementation of a naloxone program in their school (except for ordering the medication), please send inquiries to health.school.health@state.mn.us.


Training Resources 

MDH School Health Team has gathered and reviewed several types of training materials and videos available through several state and national organizations. This list does not reflect endorsement of any specific training materials. Schools and other organizations will need to review and determine the training based on their policy, procedures, environment, and staff who are being trained. 

Training Videos

Manufacturer Resources & Instructions for Using Medications

These manufacturers provide various types of resources that are specific to their products.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much can an organization order?
  • Most organizations only need 1 to 2 cases of naloxone (12 kits per case) per month. The information in your application will determine how much naloxone it is recommended your organization should order. 
  • Narcan can only be ordered by the case. Each case includes: two doses per unit (12 units per case), making 24 total doses of nasal naloxone per case. Some extra doses per order are expected but, before ordering, consider what will be done with any extra doses. Naloxone is a lifesaving medication, and the more available it is, the more likely a life can be saved.
  • If there are additional doses in your order, consider partnering with local first responders, such as EMS and fire. If a school, consider placing units strategically throughout the building with trained personnel. If law enforcement, consider implementing a naloxone leave behind policy or similar strategy. You can always place another order for more naloxone if needed and having naloxone where it is most likely to save a life is important and the goal of this program.
How much does it cost to order?
  • There is no cost. This is a program that provides free naloxone to all the eligible groups listed above.
Where should orders be shipped?
  • Your order should be shipped to the building of the organization placing the order, such as the school district office, police station, group home, etc. The product cannot be shipped to PO Box. It will be delivered during regular business hours on a regular business day.
Do organizations need a Standing Order for naloxone?
  • The Standing Order is needed for some groups because naloxone is a medication. Orders to administer medications are required by some professions such as nurses before a medication may be administered. 
  • If your organization requires a standing order and protocol you can sign up for one at the Minnesota Department of Health website: Naloxone Standing Order and Protocol - MN Dept. of Health
  • Get or renew your standing order with the Standing Order Registration and Renewal Form. A standing order is not required by DHS to obtain nasal naloxone.
Why do schools need a Condition Specific Protocol for naloxone?
  • Naloxone is a medication and schools should have direction on why, when, and how to give naloxone.
How will organizations know that an order was received?
  • When your order is placed the email provided in the contact information will receive a confirmation email. Later, once the order has been reviewed and approved by program staff, an email with tracking information from the supplier, Emergent Biosolutions, will be sent.  
How can organizations share extra naloxone kits?
  • We encourage you to share with other eligible groups outlined above, first responders, who are likely to respond to overdoses, as well as harm reduction groups in the state who provide naloxone to people most likely to overdose. The list for such providers can be found here: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/syringe/calendar.html
Can organizations sell extra naloxone kits?
  • Naloxone from this program may not be sold. It can only be used for approved activities such as meeting legislative mandates or distributing to at-risk populations.
How often can organizations reorder through this state distribution program?
  • Organizations may order up to their current monthly allocation each calendar month. Organizations may submit an exception request if they need to order above the allocation.
  • Examples of exceptions include:
    • One-time orders to align the replacement expiring stock
    • Additional naloxone to meet naloxone demand in populations disproportionately impacted by overdose
    • Additional naloxone in response to an acute increase in overdose morbidity or mortality
Can organizations get reimbursed if they already have naloxone?
  • No. This is a program to order needed doses of naloxone, not a reimbursement program. If you already have naloxone, you may use this program to replace naloxone doses after they are used or near expiration.
Where can school nurses send questions about anything related to implementation of a naloxone program in their school?