Narcan vending machines popping up throughout Illinois in effort to combat overdoses

(The Center Square) – Vending machines containing naloxone, an opioid antagonist, are appearing all over Illinois as officials battle fentanyl overdoses.

Opioid overdoses can occur when someone uses too much of a prescription opioid, like hydrocodone or oxycodone, or uses illegally distributed drugs. A person purchasing street drugs is at risk of overdose since many street drugs are contaminated with fentanyl.

Chestnut Health Systems have been installing the vending machines in several areas, including in Metro East. Officials said in Madison and St. Clair counties alone, there were 96 overdoses last year with 70% involving opioids.

The project is funded with tax dollars from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery.

“What has been previously a barrier is access to naloxone when needed, and by utilizing vending machines, it is increasing access to folks,” said Nadia Klekamp, director of Integrated Community Education with Chestnut Health Systems. “They don’t have to schedule a time or they don’t have to meet with another person to receive naloxone.”

The medication can work as quickly as 30 seconds and can take as long as a few minutes.

A pilot program funded with federal tax dollars by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with a $17 million grant distributed vending machines across Chicago. The Chicago Public Health Department said locations are based on where more overdoses happen.

“There is a crucial need for these vending machines as our city continues to battle the opioid epidemic,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

According to the CDC, nearly 3,600 people died of overdose deaths in Illinois last year, a slight decrease from 2022.

“Narcan [a brand of naloxone] is a non-prescription medication and when used appropriately can block or reverse the effects of an opioid overdose,” said Dan Hutchison, associate director of Community Health at Chestnut. “The naloxone available in the vending machine is easy and safe to use. It might save the life of someone you know.”