Naloxone (Narcan®) was first distributed in Berks County in 2015 as a critical tool in curbing overdose deaths. Referred to as the “opioid overdose reversal drug,” the drug blocks the actions on the brain and respiratory systems of opioid drugs such as heroin, morphine, and fentanyl. When this innovative approach was first introduced to the community for use by non-medical professionals, there was a degree of hesitancy accompanied by stigma. With community education and training, the use of Naloxone (Narcan®) has become a widely accepted practice, and the requests for this lifesaving drug by both professionals and lay persons continue to grow.
Through its Naloxone Expansion Project, funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the Council on Chemical Abuse is broadening its distribution to non-traditional first responders including street outreach programs, persons in recovery, persons who use drugs, family members, and health and social services agencies. Naloxone (Narcan®) will also be distributed in the “Health to Go” kiosk (vending machine) to be in the Reading YMCA lobby. With this expanded distribution effort, Naloxone (Narcan®) will evolve from an innovation to a normalized health product to prevent opioid overdoses.
The Council on Chemical Abuse provides Naloxone Opioid Overdose Reversal Kits to all Berks County residents and businesses at no charge. Our kits include Naloxone (Narcan®) Nasal Spray.
Council on Chemical Abuse
50 N 5th St 5th Floor
Reading, PA 19601
Contact us at www.cocaberks.org .