November 14, 2019
CONTACT: Kara Kane 
Email: kara.kane@erie.gov  
Phone: (716) 858-4941

ERIE COUNTY OPIATE EPIDEMIC TASK FORCE EXPANDS ACCESS TO NARCAN FOR OPIOID OVERDOSE REVERSALS

Federal grant funds 500 boxes for placement in area businesses, restaurants, bars and organizations

ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) is expanding access to a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, with a program to make Narcan® available in area businesses, restaurants, bars and other places where people gather.  

Funding for 500 red metal boxes containing two doses of Narcan® nasal spray was provided by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The boxes were introduced at the quarterly meeting of the Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force in November.

“This new program will make Narcan® available in the same way that a first-aid kit or an AED device would be available: for an emergency response to keep an overdose victim alive until medical help arrives,” said Erie County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein. “Our goal is to get these boxes delivered and installed by the end of the year.”

“This program is designed to make Narcan® accessible for emergency use.” continued Dr. Burstein. “We have about a dozen other locations set up as Community Access Narcan® Sites for people to pick up a Narcan® kit for personal use, to carry with them or to keep in their home. They can also contact our office directly or come to one of our opioid overdose recognition training classes for a free kit.”

The boxes measure 6.5 inches x 4 inches x 7.5 inches, and are easily installed on a wall or cabinet. Interested businesses can apply to receive a box online or by contacting (716) 858-7695 or opiatetaskforce@erie.gov. When approved, the box can be installed in a visible spot that is accessible to the public or patrons. ECDOH asks that the box be checked often to see if it needs restocking. Restocking will occur at no cost to the business or site. 

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Erie County Department of Health: http://www.erie.gov/health

Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force: http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=opiate-epidemic-task-force

Application to become a Community Access Narcan® Site:  http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=application-form-becoming-community-access-narcan-site

Community Access Narcan® Sites: http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=community-access-narcan-sites

Buffalo & Erie County Crisis Services 24/7 Addictions Hotline: (716) 831-7007

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