ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, along with the Department of Public Health, announced a new initiative Monday that will increase the availability of naloxone.
Naloxone, commonly distributed under the brand name Narcan, will be available free of charge to the public and community groups at the John C. Murphy Health Center during regular business hours, according to a press release from the county.
"Our entire region has been deeply affected by the opioid epidemic,” Page said in the release. “St. Louis County continues to develop resources for our residents, health care providers, and public health partners – focusing on underserved communities – to combat this crisis.”
Naloxone can reverse the process of opioid overdose and is a critical tool for intervention, the release said.
A spokesperson said increasing access to naloxone is a priority for the health department and has been identified as a key tactic in harm reduction initiatives.
St. Louis County’s health department said making it easier for community members and organizations to recognize the signs of overdose and how to apply naloxone is a way the health department working to demonstrate that anyone can be part of the solution.
For hours and location of the John C. Murphy Health Center, click here.