Kansans who have naloxone (Narcan) kits that reach the printed manufacturer’s expiration date should not feel compelled to throw it away. Instead, research has demonstrated that naloxone can have a shelf life well beyond the expiration date and maintain effectiveness to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. In Kansas, any kit can be utilized for up to 10 years past the expiration date. Governor Laura Kelly is expected to sign House Bill 2250 on Friday, May 1, 2026, which clarifies that expired emergency opioid antagonists may be used to treat an opioid overdose, and permitting first responders to distribute and administer expired naloxone.

“In an emergency, having naloxone available—expired or not—can be the difference between life and death,” DCCCA Chief Community Based Services Officer Chrissy Mayer said.

DCCCA has operated the Kansas Naloxone Program since August 2020, providing more than 130,000 naloxone kits to individuals and organizations throughout the state. Each year, DCCCA received an increase in naloxone requests, and the program distributed 58,595 kits in 2025.

“Allowing the use of expired naloxone kits will not only preserve resources with our statewide distribution but also extend access to save lives,” DCCCA Chief Executive Officer Lori Alvarado said.

For more information about DCCCA’s Kansas Naloxone Program, visit https://www.dccca.org/program/kansas-naloxone-program/.