Since its launch in December 2021, the Minnesota Department of Health's online Naloxone Finder has seen over 4,600 visitors to the website that points individuals to the nearest pharmacies, naloxone access points, and syringe service programs that typically have naloxone.
"There has been information here and there about where to find naloxone, but it's all been a little scattered in certain areas," said Cody Bassett, the Minnesota Department of Health's Naloxone Coordinator. "Instead of listing off five different resources, how about there's one resource?"
The map simply allows people to type in a zip code or address, filter by distance, and the map will show them the nearest location and will confirm whether or not it currently has naloxone available.
Bassett says normalizing naloxone, also known as Narcan, is critically important when it comes to the ongoing effort in preventing drug overdose deaths.
"That's kind of the tough reality of an overdose is you can't self-administer Narcan," Bassett said. "If you get Narcan, you need to show whoever is around you how to administer it as well. Whether it's me, you, or them someone is going to have to do it. That's kind of the importance behind it all."
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According to the Centers for Disease Control, the death toll from overdoses in the first six months of 2021 was an estimated 53,000 people, higher than any continuous six-month period in 2020.
"Fentanyl is much more stronger, more potent, and timing is very key when it comes to reversing an overdose from fentanyl," added Bassett. "That window can be reduced, so using every valuable minute you can to reverse that overdose is even more important now than ever."
MDH's Naloxone Finder is especially meant for prevention.
"The purpose isn't for someone to use it during an emergency. It's all about preparation and preventing a death."
The dangers of fentanyl were once again highlighted last week in the St. Cloud metro area. Authorities said one person died and eight others were sickened from drug overdoses involving fentanyl over a two-day period.