Resources in

Iowa

In 2020, there were 432 opioid overdose deaths in Iowa.

If you are a person who uses drugs or if you are around people who use drugs, please consider learning how to respond to an opioid overdose and carrying naloxone (intranasal brand name: Narcan). Naloxone is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids slow down the activity of the central nervous system. This can cause slowed or stopped breathing which may lead to death. Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally. We have a helpful FAQ and are constantly updating it with questions from our site visitors. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, let us know.

IOWA HARM REDUCTION COALITION

IHRC aims to provide compassionate, non-judgemental services to people impacted by drug use. IHRC provides overdose prevention training and medicine, HIV and hepatitis C testing, patient navigation services, safer injection training, housing services referrals, and more.

PHARMACY-BASED NALOXONE ACCESS

Click below for a list of pharmacies that have naloxone available without a prescription. Call ahead with your insurance details to request information about your co-pay and to ensure naloxone is in stock.

HARM REDUCTION PROGRAMS

Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition has locations throughout Iowa and also provides a discrete shipping option for folks outside of their service areas.

IOWA’S HELPLINE

Iowa’s Crisis HelpLine is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call, text, or chat this resource.

IOWA’S GOOD SAMARITAN LAW

Iowa has a law that protects people who call in help if someone near you overdoses and stops the police from filing charges against the caller. It also protects you from getting in trouble if you're probation or parole. However, the law does not protect the person who has overdosed.

DRUG USER ORGANIZING

The Urban Survivors Union is a national drug users union mobilizing against the war on drugs. Check out their wealth of resources including #reframetheblame a campaign against drug induced homicide laws.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZING

IHRC’s current legislative priority is advocating for the legalization of syringe service programs in Iowa through revision of Iowa’s drug paraphernalia law. Learn more about how you can get involved.