Key locations in central Ohio will have additional access to naloxone, the lifesaving overdose reversal medication, available for community access through a collaboration between the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board (ADAMH) of Franklin County, Columbus Metropolitan Library and additional partners.
More than 5,000 Ohioans died of a drug overdose in 2020, but officials with ADAMH are hoping this new effort will help prevent overdose deaths.
Wall-mounted resuscitation stations called 'Naloxbox kits' will be available at libraries and community centers to help stop overdose deaths. Twelve Columbus area libraries have already been outfitted and their staff has been trained to use the life-saving overdose reversal drug.
Erica Clark Jones the CEO of the ADAMH, said, "Many individuals in recovery from addiction are here today because they were given another chance at life after receiving naloxone. Recovery is only possible if someone is still alive to take that step."
Each NaloxBox contains:
- One clear UV-stabilized box
- Two doses of naloxone (nasal spray)
- An English/Spanish instructional guide
- A QR code linking to a page on the ADAMH website that includes a naloxone administration instructional video and resources for someone looking to start recovery
- One Rescue breathing barrier device
- Ties to close and open the NaloxBox
Naloxone only works on overdoses caused by opioids. Naloxone will not reverse overdose resulting from non-opioid drugs, like cocaine, benzodiazepines, or alcohol. According to ADAMH, a victim of a non-opioid overdose, or an overdose caused by a mixture of drugs will not be harmed by naloxone. In multiple drug overdoses (e.g., an opioid and a benzodiazepine) it is still worth administering naloxone as it will remove the effects of the opioid and may still reverse the overdose.
ADAMH has purchased 150 Nalobox kits and will continue to install them in high-risk public locations.
