Broome County Health Department Announces Expansion of Naloxboxes

Overdose Prevention Program to Further Distribute Free Naloxone for the Public

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) -In collaboration with the Central New York Rotary, the Broome County Health Department's Overdose Prevention Program is partnering with county-owned, rented, and operated facilities to expand the availability of Naloxone through Naloxone distribution boxes, or Naloxboxes, across Broome County. This initiative is supported by a Rotary Global Grant, which partners with organizations in seven upstate New York counties to increase access to this life-saving medication. The expansion of Naloxboxes is a critical step in Broome County's efforts to reduce fatal and non-fatal overdoses and save the lives of community members.

Amanda Lewis, who has both administered Naloxone and been saved by Naloxone said, "I am a multiple overdose survivor and there is only 1 reason I'm alive today. I am able to help people just like me, because Naloxone was available to reverse my overdose during a time of crisis."

Naloxone (brand name: Narcan) is an FDA-approved medication that reverses opioid overdoses by blocking opioids from connecting to brain receptors and restoring normal breathing. The Naloxone provided in the Naloxboxes is administered intranasally (through the nose via nasal spray) and remains effective for up to 90 minutes. Naloxone is safe to use on pregnant individuals, children, pets, and even those who are not experiencing an opioid overdose.

Naloxboxes may vary in appearance, from purple newspaper-style boxes to clear cabinets or plastic totes, but all contain Overdose Response Kits. Each kit includes two 4mg doses of Naloxone nasal spray, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, a face mask for rescue breathing, an instruction card, and contact information for the Broome County Overdose Prevention Program, where community members can request free Naloxone training or additional resources. The kits are free, and all Broome County residents are encouraged to take one or multiple in efforts to have supplies accessible in the event of an opioid overdose.

The project builds on the existing Naloxbox program already present in local businesses, community organizations, hotels, and restaurants, made possible through partnerships with Broome County Mental Health, Columbia University's HEALing Communities Study, Truth Pharm, and the Addiction Center of Broome County (ACBC). The new county maintained Naloxboxes will be installed in phases, starting at the Broome County Health Department. A second phase, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention OD2A LOCAL grant, will expand installations in county-operated sites in 2025.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, "Making these life-saving kits more accessible will help reduce stigma and put critical medication in the hands of more people, ultimately saving lives."

For free Naloxone training, to request a Naloxbox for your organization, or for more information, contact the Broome County Health Department Overdose Prevention Program at 607-778-2805 or [email protected].