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Baltimore County is taking a new step in the fight against opioid overdoses by making naloxone available at every public library branch. The initiative comes through a partnership between Baltimore County’s Department of Health and the Baltimore County Public Library system.
Naloxone is sometimes known by the brand name Narcan. This is a medication that can reverse the deadly effects of opioids like heroin and fentanyl. It has already played a major role in reducing overdose deaths across the county.
Meeting People Where They Are
Baltimore County’s goal is simple. They want to make medication like naloxone easy to access across the 19 trusted community spaces. “Ensuring that every resident can access lifesaving medication is a priority for Baltimore County,” County Executive Kathy Klausmeier said.
Library CEO Sonia Alcántara-Anoine added that libraries are more than just places to borrow books. They’re community hubs that can provide critical tools in a public health crisis.
Naloxone receptacles are now in place at every library branch. Some locations use wall-mounted cabinets while others are using vending machine-style dispensers. In addition, library staff completed training in July on how to spot the signs of an overdose, administer naloxone and contact emergency services.
Supported by Health and Safety Leaders
Health officials say the program builds on ongoing prevention efforts that have already reduced overdose deaths in the county. Police Chief Robert McCullough praised the move by saying that wider access to naloxone will “increase our ability to save lives.”
The project was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Maryland Office of Overdose Response and the CDC’s Overdose Data to Action program. Other naloxone access points are already available at county health clinics, social services offices and the Baltimore County Department of Corrections.
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