PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — In honor of Overdose Awareness Day, Philadelphia officials celebrated the first anniversary of a naloxone distribution program that they said has been a success.
Officials gathered outside of Engine 11 on Monday to celebrate Naloxone in Black, a program started last summer that put naloxone-loaded honor boxes outside 61 fire stations.
“It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no cost. No appointment, conversation or personal information is required,” said Martin McCall, deputy commissioner of the city’s Emergency Medical Services.
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has paid for most of the Naloxone in Black program, providing 37,000 doses.
In the last year, the program has distributed more than 41,000 doses. Officials believe the more naloxone is available, the fewer overdoses will be fatal.
“Every dose placed in someone’s hand represents preparedness. Every person revived represents another opportunity for treatment, recovery and a renewed future,” McCall said.
The Philadelphia Health Department reported 1,069 deaths in 2024 — down from 2023 — and they expect data to show that last year there were 1,000.
“Anytime we can get medication into the hands of the people who actually need it, it’s a success. We’re saving lives, and that’s a beautiful thing,” said Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Latika Davis-Jones.
It has helped distribute more than 41K doses of naloxone in 1 year
It has helped distribute more than 41K doses of naloxone in 1 year
