LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Proponents of a new Narcan-dispensing machine at Louisville Metro Corrections are hoping the device will save lives.
Narcan, an over-the-counter overdose-reversal drug, will be available free-of-charge to inmates released from jail.
The Narcan dispenser looks just like a regular vending machine and is located in the jail's lobby. It also has a touchpad screen that reinforces Narcan training and also asks some survey questions.
That survey is part of the University of Kentucky's HEALing Communities study. UK helped stock the vending machine with 300 initial units of Narcan and program leaders say there's space and resources to replenish the supply.
This comes after the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections launched a program to place Narcan in all 51 dorms at the jail. Jail officials say inmates have reversed 24 overdoses since the program was launched in September 2022.Â
Program coordinators say those released from incarceration have a much higher chance of dying from an overdose after they're released.
The vending machine is a resource to help reverse that trend.
"We do not see an increase in substance use associated with Narcan distribution," said Ben Goldman, community health administrator for the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. "What we do see is a decrease in fatal overdoses. The numbers are really clear this is something that reduces deaths in our community and every person whose life is saved continues to have opportunities."
The jail's new Narcan vending machine has already been up and running for about three weeks and in that time it has dispensed dozens of units.
Jail officials hope to later stock the machine with other resources, like fentanyl test strips.
This isn't a resource for the general public to use.
Officials said anyone wishing to keep Narcan on-hand can contact the health department for a list of distribution sites. The health department can also mail Narcan to your home upon request.
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