INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana is partnering with the nonprofit Overdose Lifeline Inc. to expand access to the opioid overdose antidote naloxone through exterior dispensers available at all hours.
Overdose Lifeline intends to purchase and place 215 NaloxBox units across the state, including at least one in every Indiana county. A NaloxBox is a hard acrylic box mounted to an exterior wall that contains six to eight doses of naloxone, instructions for use, and treatment referral cards.
The $58,000 cost of the NaloxBox units and shipping will be paid for through a federal grant to the state.
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced the initiative Friday. He said the state is “committed to raising awareness about the need for bystanders to carry” naloxone.
Any business or community entity is eligible to request a NaloxBox unit to install in an accessible and highly visible area. They’ll be responsible for monitoring the NaloxBox every day and requesting refills.
Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication to reverse overdoses by opioids.
