NEWBERRY – Free naloxone is now available in Newberry following the installation of a distribution box designed to give residents ready access to the medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
City officials and emergency responders marked the launch of the program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 15. The initiative is a partnership involving the Newberry and High Springs fire departments and other community and emergency medical partners.
Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. The medication can restore breathing in someone whose breathing has slowed or stopped because of an overdose, providing critical time for emergency medical help to arrive.
The distribution initiative is intended to make naloxone readily available to members of the public who may encounter someone experiencing a suspected opioid overdose.
Newberry Mayor Tim Marden and Newberry Fire Chief Jason Lyman were among those participating in the event.
Other speakers included Joy Glanzer, a member of the Opioid Task Force; Kyle Livingston of the High Springs Fire Department; Capt. Jodie Benware of Alachua County Fire Rescue Mobile Integrated Healthcare; and Patience Shackley and Logan Clanzer, certified recovery peer specialists with ACFR Mobile Integrated Healthcare.
The naloxone distribution equipment displayed at the event includes cabinets containing the medication and instructions for its administration. The cabinets also direct users to call 911 during an emergency.
Naloxone is safe to administer when an opioid overdose is suspected and will not harm someone if opioids are not present in the person’s system. Emergency medical assistance should still be sought because naloxone’s effects are temporary and additional doses may be necessary.
The Newberry initiative is part of broader efforts to place the overdose-reversal medication in locations where members of the public can quickly obtain it rather than relying solely on first responders to carry it.
City officials credited the Newberry and High Springs fire departments with helping bring the distribution program to the community.
Emergency responders mark launch of naloxone program
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