MEDIA RELEASE
July 29, 2026
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to Begin Distribution of Padagis® Naloxone Nasal Spray

New generic option keeps naloxone free and available to county residents. 

CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District’s (CUPHD) Teen and Adult Services (TAS) Division Overdose Prevention Program is now providing Padagis® Naloxone Nasal Spray free to county residents.

The State of Illinois recently transitioned from the brand name NARCAN® to generic Padagis®, which still contains the same 4mg dose of naloxone and works in the body in the same way to treat opioid overdoses. The change to a lower-cost generic naloxone spray means funding can be stretched further, increasing access to this life-saving medication.

In 2024 and 2025 combined, CUPHD distributed more than 28,000 naloxone kits to community members. According to CUPHD's Fatal Drug Overdose Data Dashboard, Champaign County saw opioid-related deaths drop 67.5% from 2023 to 2024. While 2025 saw an uptick, opioid-related deaths remained lower than 2023 levels by 55%.

"We're excited to offer this generic version of Narcan®! Naloxone has worked so well to reduce overdose deaths in our community and now this Padagis® version will allow us to continue our work in the opioid crisis,” says Harm Reduction Program Coordinator Joe Trotter.

Kits are free and can be picked up at the TAS check-in window located in the CUPHD lobby at 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign. Delivery is also available by calling 217-531-5370 or emailing Joe Trotter at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information, visit www.padagisnaloxone.com.

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