You Can Get Free Narcan in Portland Without a Prescription (Yes, Really)
And it takes about 20 minutes to learn how to use it.
Let's just say it plainly: fentanyl is in everything now. Not everything-everything, but enough that harm reduction isn't just for people who use drugs. It's for anyone who loves someone, lives with someone, or exists near someone. Which, if you're reading this, is probably most of you.
Here's the good news. Oregon has some of the best harm reduction infrastructure in the country, and Portland is genuinely stacked with free resources — free Narcan, free training, free test strips, and people who will teach you how to use all of it without making you feel weird about it.
You don't need a prescription. You don't need a reason. You just need to show up.
This is your guide.
First: What Is Narcan, Actually?
Narcan (naloxone) is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. It works fast — within minutes — and it has no effect if opioids aren't present in someone's system, meaning you genuinely cannot hurt someone by giving it to them if you're not sure.
It comes as a nasal spray (the most common form) and as an injectable. Both work. The nasal spray is easy enough that you can learn it in one 20-minute training.
One more thing: Oregon's Good Samaritan Law means you're legally protected if you call 911 during an overdose. You will not be arrested for saving someone's life. That's the law.
Where to Get Free Narcan in Portland
Rahab's Sisters
232 SE 80th Ave · (971) 208-3176 · rahabs-sisters.org
Rahab's Sisters has been doing radical hospitality in Portland for 17 years — showing up for women, trans, and nonbinary folks navigating poverty, houselessness, and substance use. They distribute Narcan and fentanyl test strips during regular service hours alongside hot meals, a clothing closet, mental health support, and more.
Hours: Wed 2–4pm · Thu 1–4pm · Fri 5–8pm (Check their monthly calendar at rahabs-sisters.org or follow @rahabspdx for updates)
Project RED
projectredinitiative.org · Project RED has delivered over 7,000 overdose identification and reversal trainings and counting. They distribute free Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and wound care supplies, and they offer "Compassionate Overdose Response" trainings for community organizations, schools, and businesses. If you want to get your whole crew trained, these are your people.
Portland People's Outreach Project (PPOP)
portlandpeoplesoutreach.org · All-volunteer, peer-run, and distributing about 9,000 doses of Narcan per year to over 10,000 community members. PPOP is the definition of community infrastructure. Check their site for current distribution locations and hours.
Multnomah County Health Department
multco.us/behavioral-health/overdose-prevention · 503-988-3030
The county offers free Narcan and runs "Let's Talk Fentanyl" workshops — free sessions covering overdose signs, fentanyl myths, and hands-on naloxone training. Available in-person and online. You can also request free Narcan by mail through NEXT Distro at nextdistro.org/orchoice.
Any Oregon Pharmacy (SERIOUSLY)
No prescription. No explanation. Just walk in and ask for naloxone. Oregon law allows pharmacists to dispense it directly. Many pharmacies carry it at low or no cost, and your Oregon Health Plan will often cover it entirely.
Free Narcan Training in Portland
Project RED — Community Trainings
Free, ongoing, available for individuals and groups. Their "Compassionate Overdose Response" training covers everything you need. Visit projectredinitiative.org to schedule.
Multnomah County — "Let's Talk Fentanyl" Workshop
Free, schedulable for groups or individuals, available online and in-person. Request a training at multco.us/behavioral-health/overdose-prevention or call 503-988-3030.
Portland State University — Drop-In Training
Every Monday, 1–5pm · UCB 340 E Free, walk-in, no appointment needed. Email harmreduction@pdx.edu for the current spring schedule.
Get Naloxone Now — Free Online Training
Can't make it in person? This free, self-paced online training takes about 20 minutes. Modules for both community members and healthcare professionals. Do it right now, honestly.
A Note on Fentanyl Test Strips
While we're here: fentanyl test strips let you check any substance for fentanyl before using. They're legal in Oregon, free at most of the places listed above, and they take five minutes. You can get them at Rahab's Sisters, Project RED, PPOP, and via Next Distro by mail.
This isn't about judgment. It's about coming home.
The Bigger Picture
Here at WERQ TOGETHER, we think about harm reduction the same way we think about housing, peer support, and mutual aid — it's all part of the same system. When our community has the tools to stay safe, stay alive, and stay connected, everything else gets more possible.
Narcan is one of those tools. It belongs in every community space, every household, every bag. And the fact that it's free and accessible in Portland means there's genuinely no barrier — just information.
Now you have it. Share it.
Stay Connected
This is the kind of information that saves lives — but only if it reaches the right people. We send resources like this, community updates, event announcements, and the occasional extremely good meme to our email list every month.
WERQ TOGETHER is a trans-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Portland, Oregon. We build community-rooted systems of care through mutual aid, peer support, and housing programs. Questions? Email us at peers@werqt.org.
