Free Naloxone Kit in Waterloo & Kitchener

Free Naloxone Kit in Waterloo & Kitchener

The Boardwalk Pharmacy is a participating pharmacy in the Ontario Naloxone Program for Pharmacies (ONPP). We provide free naloxone kits to anyone at risk of an opioid overdose or anyone who might witness one — no appointment, no questions, no insurance needed.

What is naloxone?

Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. It works on prescription opioids (oxycodone, hydromorphone, morphine, fentanyl) and on illicit opioids. Naloxone is safe — if given to someone NOT having an opioid overdose, it does no harm.

Who can get a free kit?

Under the Ontario Naloxone Program for Pharmacies (ONPP), free naloxone kits are available to:

  • People who use opioids, prescribed or otherwise
  • People in recovery from opioid use
  • Family members or friends of someone who uses opioids
  • Anyone who might be in a position to help during an overdose

You don't need to be a patient of The Boardwalk Pharmacy. You don't need to explain why you want one. An OHIP card helps but isn't strictly required.

What's in the kit?

Each Ontario naloxone kit contains:

  • 2 doses of NARCAN® naloxone nasal spray
  • Step-by-step instructions in plain language
  • Disposable gloves
  • A rescue-breathing face shield
  • A reference card with overdose response steps

We provide nasal spray kits — easier and safer than injection kits, with no needles required.

How to get one

  1. Walk in to The Boardwalk Pharmacy at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo
  2. Ask the pharmacist for a naloxone kit
  3. We'll do a brief 5-minute walk-through: how to recognize an overdose, when to call 911, how to administer the spray
  4. Take the kit home

No paperwork. No questions about why you need it. Free.

How to use naloxone in an emergency

Signs of an opioid overdose:

  • Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
  • Blue or grey lips or fingernails
  • Unresponsive — won't wake to loud noise or sternum rub
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Limp body, choking or gurgling sounds

If you witness an overdose:

  1. Call 911 immediately.
  2. Give one dose of naloxone nasal spray.
  3. Start rescue breathing or chest compressions if you're trained.
  4. If no response in 2–3 minutes, give a second dose.
  5. Stay with the person until paramedics arrive.

Ontario's Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you legally for calling 911 to help — you won't be charged with simple drug possession for trying to save a life.

Local support resources

  • ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 — free, confidential addiction support, 24/7
  • Region of Waterloo Public Health — harm reduction supplies and supports
  • Our pharmacy team can connect you with local opioid agonist therapy (OAT) prescribers if you're interested

Related services

Free pharmacist counseling | MedsCheck medication review | Visit us in Waterloo

Have a question?

Talk to one of our pharmacists — free, no appointment needed. We’re here Monday through Saturday.

Contact us