San Joaquin County Public Health Services (PHS) has taken a significant step towards better community health by introducing naloxone to three of its five vending machines. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist medication, is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and has the potential to save lives.
The nasal spray form, known as Narcan, is administered by spraying it into the nostril of an individual exhibiting signs of opioid overdose. Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose from various opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, hydrocodone, and codeine.
It is important to note that naloxone is safe, non-addictive, and has minimal negative effects. Furthermore, it only works if opioids are present in a person’s system.
The three vending machines offering free naloxone nasal spray are located at the PHS administrative office at 1601 E. Hazelton Ave., Stockton; the first-floor lobby of the County Human Services Agency at 333 E. Washington St., Stockton; and the Stockton Metropolitan Airport at 5000 S. Airport Way, Stockton.
Greg Diederich, San Joaquin County Health Care Services Agency Director, emphasized the significance of naloxone administration, stating, ‘The research has shown that administering naloxone buys valuable time to get someone treated by a medical professional. With the growing ease of access to fentanyl-laced drugs and other powerful opioids, this continues to pose a safety concern for our region. By providing free naloxone in our public health vending machines, we increase the likelihood that it can be used by the public to save lives in our county.’
Rachel Zerbo, Public Health Educator with the San Joaquin County Opioid Safety Coalition, highlighted the importance of Narcan in saving lives and emphasized the ease of use and minimal side effects. The vending machine distribution of naloxone aims to increase access to this critical tool in combating the fentanyl overdose epidemic.
It is crucial to call 9-1-1 immediately after administering naloxone, as professional medical assistance is still required to save the individual’s life. The effects of naloxone only last for 20 to 90 minutes, underscoring the importance of timely intervention by emergency medical responders.
For individuals in need of drug addiction services, the San Joaquin County Access Line can be reached at 209-468-9370 or 1-888-468-9370. The Access Line will conduct a short screening and make referrals to providers for a more comprehensive assessment to determine appropriate substance use disorder treatment.
