LIBERTY, NY — As part of its response to the local opioid epidemic, Sullivan County has purchased 174 naloxone distribution units (naloxboxes) to be placed in strategic locations around the region. Naloxone is a nasally-administered opioid reversal drug commonly referred to by the brand name of NARCAN.

“We’ve found homes for around 20 so far, and we want to make sure these units get as wide a dispersal as possible, so that they’re available quickly in case of an emergency,” said Camille O’Brien, HEALing Communities program manager. The county received a grant to purchase the units through HEALing Communities.

“We’re asking local businesses to consider hosting these boxes in their establishments,” O’Brien continued. “Gas stations, laundromats and restaurants are prime locations, though we’re happy to hear from any place open to the public.”

Each box contains four naloxone (NARCAN) kits, and each kit contains two doses, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and information on recovery resources. One kit at a time is dispensed, and just like the ones administered by emergency responders, they can be used to reverse a potentially lethal opioid overdose.

“Boxes measure 10 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, and must be stored indoors in a publicly accessible location—that’s all we ask,” said O’Brien. “We take care of resupplying them, maintaining them and removing them, if and when necessary. They don’t require electricity or insurance.”

This grant-funded initiative is part of the NIH HEAL Initiative’s HEALing Communities Study, a multi-state effort which aims to reduce opioid overdose deaths by 40 percent. Sullivan County’s Department of Community Services and a number of local partners are coordinating efforts to raise awareness not only about the severity of the opioid epidemic locally but about treatment options, including medication to successfully wean off substance use. 

For more information, to explore hosting a naloxbox or to schedule a naloxone group training session (with or without installation of a naloxbox), email O’Brien at Camille.obrien@sullivanny.us or call 845/513-2079.

Dan Hust is the Sullivan County Director of Communications.