What is Project DAWN?

Ohio’s network of opioid education and naloxone distribution programs is called Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone). Program participants receive a take-home naloxone kit and training on:

• Recognizing the signs and symptoms of overdose

• Distinguishing between different types of overdose

• Performing rescue breathing

• Calling emergency medical services

• Administering intranasal naloxone

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What is Naloxone?

Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (heroin, fentanyl, or prescription pain medications). When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restores breathing. Naloxone has been used safely by emergency medical professionals for more than 40 years and has only this one critical function: to reverse the effects of opioids in order to prevent overdose death. Naloxone has no potential for abuse.

If naloxone is given to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, it is harmless. If naloxone is administered to a person who is dependent on opioids, it will produce withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal, although uncomfortable, is not life-threatening.