(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Narcan, a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses, is now available in vending machines in various Cook County facilities.
“These vending machines are like any others: brightly colored, press a few buttons, and the product is dispensed,” said Dr. Tom Nutter, with Cook County Health. “Except this product is potentially life saving and, importantly, this product is free.”
Nutter said anyone can now use Narcan vending machines at three Cook County Health sites. Soon, the vending machines will be accessible to those at the Cook County Jail and in Cook County courthouses.
Jordan Boulger, with the Cook County Adult Probation Department, said the machines are strategically placed to eliminate barriers to the drug for communities that need it the most.
“Many of the people that we work with on probation live in the communities that have been most acutely affected by not just this public health crisis, but many other public health crises,” he said.
Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck with the Cook County Department of Public Health said it’s about “allowing them to live another day.”
“Another day to be able to continue their journey towards recovery,” he said.
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