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Correctional Health Services and San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, have installed a machine to dispense free doses of Narcan, the medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, in the public lobby of the Maguire Correctional Center in Redwood City.
The goal is to reduce harm to the community and potentially save lives, as the machine delivers a box of Narcan containing two doses to anyone who needs it, including inmates being released, their families and friends, and the general public.
A nasal spray, Narcan (the brand name for the drug naloxone) is safe to use and easy to deploy, making it possible for anyone (friends, bystanders) to provide life-saving help.
While first responders carry naloxone, the drug can be administered even before calling 911, since seconds count if someone is experiencing an overdose.
The California Department of Public Health recommends that friends and family members who know someone at higher risk for an opioid overdose, especially those with opioid use disorder, carry naloxone and keep it at home.
Additionally, she said, people who take high doses of opioid medications prescribed by a doctor, as well as those who use opioids and benzodiazepines together and/or who use drugs, should carry naloxone with them and inform others that they have it in case they experience an opioid overdose.
It is worth noting that California's Good Samaritan law protects those who provide emergency medical care at the scene of a medical emergency, including the administration of naloxone.
The vending machine also offers a touch screen to provide information about other available services, such as food, housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health, probation and parole.
“This effort took over a year and is the result of a great partnership with the Sheriff’s Office,” said Correctional Health Services Director Michael del Rosario. “As we strive to improve the services we provide to our incarcerated individuals and the community, we hope we can help save some lives with this project.”
In May 2023, following a public study session on the growing public health threat posed by cheap opioids and fentanyl, the Board of Supervisors recommended providing access to naloxone; increasing cooperation between the County Health Department, public safety officials, and other stakeholders; promoting public education; and collecting data to identify at-risk areas or populations.
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