In 2023, there were approximately 32 overdose deaths in McLean County. More than 50 percent of those deaths involved opioids and nearly all involved fentanyl. This is a 25 percent increase compared to 2022, when McLean County experienced 25 overdose deaths. (McLean County Coroner)
To help decrease these numbers, Chestnut Health Systems has installed a vending machine that provides free access to Narcan®/naloxone at its 1003 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Bloomington location.
“Narcan®/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.”
Chestnut’s Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) team’s primary goal is to prevent overdoses and overdose death. The installation of this vending machine is one harm reduction technique aimed at further reducing overdose deaths.
For several years, the OEND team has distributed Narcan®/naloxone to anyone in McLean County. The vending machine increases access to this life saving drug. Anyone can enter the location during regular business hours, with no questions asked, and dispense two boxes of Narcan®. If training or other information is needed, a QR code on the machine can be scanned to request it. Directions are also on the box. This service is confidential, and no personal information is required.
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.
For groups or individuals wanting to schedule training or request more than two boxes Narcan®/naloxone they can contact the Chestnut OEND team (618) 512-1781, email SR-Narcan@Chestnut.org, or visit www.chestnut.org/narcan.
This project is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery.
