DENVER — The Denver Police Department (DPD) is installing naloxone vending machines outside three stations on Tuesday. The vending machines are similar in design to newspaper vending machines, DPD explained.
The new DPD initiative is in partnership with The Naloxone Project, which was started in Colorado by Dr. Don Stader in 2021. The Naloxone Project aims to combat the stigma around and response to the opioid epidemic by creating equitable access to the overdose-reversal medication — naloxone.
The vending machines set up at DPD stations will dispense naloxone kits to community members who want to carry the potentially lifesaving medicine with them, in case of medical emergency. Anyone who's interested can find one at:
- DPD District 2 Station (3921 N. Holly St.)
- DPD District 6 Station (1566 N. Washington St.)
- DPD Police Administration Building (1331 Cherokee St.)
These three locations were chosen based on reported overdose data, according to DPD. The machines are accessible 24/7, and anyone who wants a naloxone kit doesn't need to enter the building to get one for free. DPD said each vending machine will hold up to 75 naloxone kits and get restocked regularly.
For those who don't know, naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
“With the goal of saving lives, these vending machines will increase the accessibility of naloxone for people who are, or know someone, struggling with opioid addiction,” DPD Chief Ron Thomas said.
Related coverage:
- US Rep. Brittany Petterson pens letter to RFK Jr. urging against cuts to overdose prevention programs
- Denver testing metro wastewater for fentanyl, other drugs
- A proposed bill that would change Naloxone access at schools moves forward in Colorado state legislature
- Southwest to carry overdose reversal drug naloxone in in-flight emergency medical kits
- Denver Health: Fentanyl poisonings rising sharply among US children
- CU College of Nursing provides naloxone training for Sheridan School District No. 2 staff
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