Chloe Goodison, the founder of NaloxHome overdose prevention training, has observed the challenges faced by students when learning to use injectable naloxone. Students often express concerns about potential errors, needle phobia, or shaky hands when administering the overdose prevention drug. Goodison has trained numerous individuals over the past four years, and despite her experience, she also finds injectable naloxone less preferable.
She carries a small white nasal spray in her bag, which can be easily administered through the nose to reverse an overdose. While nasal naloxone is provided free in Quebec, Ontario, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, residents of British Columbia typically have to pay around $75 to $80 for a two-dose box at pharmacies. Goodison believes the ease of use of nasal naloxone justifies its cost.
There is a growing call from politicians, experts, and harm reduction advocates for nasal naloxone to be freely available to everyone in British Columbia to address the ongoing drug crisis. Health Minister Josie Osborne mentioned that the province has been exploring broader distribution of the spray through a pilot program, but the evaluation, initially scheduled for completion in summer, is still pending.
The demand for free and widespread access to nasal naloxone has intensified following the tragic overdose death of student Sidney McIntyre-Starko at the University of Victoria in January 2024. Experts like Danya Fast from the University of British Columbia emphasize the importance of making nasal naloxone universally accessible, especially for young people, as it is a critical life-saving measure.
In a pilot initiative launched in May 2024, British Columbia procured 60,000 nasal naloxone kits, with 50,000 kits distributed to pharmacies for priority populations such as those in cold climates, youths likely to witness an overdose, and Indigenous individuals. The program was expanded in July 2025 to include anyone at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose. However, further kits were not purchased.
The evaluation of the pilot program is still ongoing, with Health Minister Osborne indicating that more information will be shared soon. Caroline McIntyre, an emergency physician and Sidney’s mother, highlighted shortcomings in the distribution of nasal naloxone, especially in areas where targeted populations need it the most.
While some pharmacies are providing free nasal naloxone until their supplies last, there is a growing consensus among experts like Fast that officials should take immediate action to make it more widely available. Responding to public demand, Fast emphasizes the need for prioritizing interventions that can save lives promptly.