The Province is expanding access to nasal naloxone.

An additional $18 million is being invested into the take-home naloxone program operated by the BC Centre for Disease Control.

That brings the Province’s total investment to $50 million for both intramuscular and nasal naloxone kits.

“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.”

With the new funding, nasal naloxone will make up about half of the more than 400,000 kits distributed each year across B.C.

The kits will begin rolling out to 150 community sites soon, with expansion to all 2,400 take-home naloxone sites starting in April, including participating pharmacies.

The expansion builds on a pilot program launched in 2024. As part of that pilot, 60,000 nasal naloxone kits were distributed to community sites and pharmacies, as well as post-secondary institutions, First Nations-mandated organizations, fire departments, municipalities and libraries.

The Province says expanding access to nasal naloxone is part of its broader response to the ongoing toxic-drug crisis.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.