State Launches Free Online Naloxone Training

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs released self-paced training on administering the overdose-reversal drug naloxone.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a simple civic building facade in navy and cream with a muted red accent, conveying a quiet public-health message. — The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs released free, self-paced online naloxone training, and more than 100 residents completed it within two weeks. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs released free, self-paced online naloxone training open to the general public and frontline professionals. More than 100 Pennsylvanians completed the course within its first two weeks online.

Why it matters

Naloxone can reverse opioid overdoses, and the training aims to help more residents recognize and respond to overdoses in their communities. The course was developed after DDAP received direct feedback from Pennsylvanians seeking better overdose response skills.

The course consists of five modules of about 20 minutes each, and professionals who finish receive two hours of continuing education credits. More than 100 Pennsylvanians completed the training in its first two weeks, but the release does not provide a comparison baseline or outcome data.

The players

Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP)

The state agency that oversees substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery programs in Pennsylvania and operates the Overdose Prevention Program.

Pennsylvania Department of Health

The state health department that worked with DDAP and statewide stakeholders to develop the naloxone training.

The details

The training teaches how to administer naloxone, recognize overdoses, perform rescue breathing, respond compassionately, and reduce stigma. It also covers recognizing overdoses involving xylazine and medetomidine mixed into the drug supply, and was developed with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and stakeholders across the state.

November 6, 2026: DDAP announced availability of the online naloxone training.
Within the first two weeks after launch: More than 100 Pennsylvanians completed the course.

Program Context

The online course builds on DDAP's Overdose Prevention Program, which distributes free naloxone and drug testing strips through a hub-and-spoke model. It adds an education component to that existing distribution network.

Anyone can take the free, self-paced course in about 100 minutes of total module time to learn how to recognize an overdose and administer naloxone. Training covers overdoses involving xylazine and medetomidine, which may not respond to naloxone alone.

The takeaway

Learning to recognize an overdose and give naloxone can make a difference in an emergency. The course is free, self-paced, and open to any Pennsylvanian.