Topline:
Five L.A. County Libraries are offering free doses of naloxone, otherwise known as Narcan, starting Wednesday. People can pick up one dose of the opioid overdose treatment after watching a brief video on how to use it. They will not be asked for ID, proof of insurance, or payment.
Why it matters: Narcan can be used to reverse an opioid overdose, including from heroin, fentanyl, and prescription medications. It’s quickly administered through a nasal spray and works almost immediately.
Anyone can purchase and carry Narcan, which became available over-the-counter in September. People who are prescribed high-dose opioid medications and people who use drugs should carry the medication, according to the California Department of Public Health. Family and friends are also encouraged to carry Narcan and keep a dose at home.
A single dose can reverse an overdose and help with breathing within a few minutes. A second dose can be administered if the person doesn’t respond. Narcan is not addictive.
Why now: The clinics will be available at the following libraries on select days through Nov. 9:
• Lancaster Library (Lancaster, CA)
• West Hollywood Library (West Hollywood, CA)
• Leland R. Weaver Library (South Gate, CA)
• East Los Angeles Library (Los Angeles, CA)
• Lennox Library (Lennox, CA)
Each location’s website features a clinic schedule. A full schedule is available on the L.A. County Library website. Skye Patrick, the director of L.A. County Library, said library staff will be treating the clinic like any other service they provide.
“The public library and its team are probably some of the most non-judgmental people to work here in Los Angeles County,” she said. “There will be no judgment or any preconceived notions from our team. Just ask for it.”
The backstory: The clinics were created in response to a board motion from L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn. Drug overdose deaths in L.A. County have skyrocketed over the last few years. 2,741 people died of an overdose in 2021. More than half of those deaths were fentanyl overdoses, according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
“Narcan is easy to use, anyone can carry it, and it saves lives,” Hahn said in a statement last fall. “Fentanyl poisonings are on the rise, and we should make sure Narcan is at our County Libraries where so many young people spend time after school. Parents are scared and want to know how they can get Narcan to keep in case of an emergency so I want to explore making our libraries Narcan kit distribution sites.”
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved her motion in October 2022.
What's next: The libraries have a limited supply, which is why the program is only available for a few weeks. Patrick said the clinics could be extended if the first round goes well.
Go deeper: …to learn more about other Narcan programs in L.A. County
