Resources in

Kansas

In 2020, there were 490 identified opioid overdose deaths in the state of Kansas. 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. One effect of this is slowed or stopped breathing which could lead to death. Naloxone knocks the opioids out of 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.

Naloxone Access

DCCCA provides individuals and organizations in Kansas with free naloxone kits upon request through their naloxone program.

Kansas Hotlines

A list of various Kansas hotlines, including a crisis hotline, compiled by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

Kansas 2-1-1 line

Dial 2-1-1 to connect to an operator who can help you find a variety of resources in your community including housing & shelter, food, and financial assistance.

Kansas GOOD SAMARITAN policy

Unfortunately, Kansas has a very limited Good Samaritan policy related to drug overdose. Protections only apply to bystanders administering naloxone but do not restrict arrest from simple possession or other crimes. Please be safe. Reminder that when you call 911 during an overdose emergency, you do not need to identify that the emergency is an overdose, tell the operator someone is not responsive and not breathing.

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.