New kiosks add access to overdose treatments
Reversal Project a partnership between health-related organizations
Several health-related organizations in northern Colorado are partnering to increase access to Naloxone, the drug that can be used to reverse opioid overdoses.
A press release from Northeast Colorado Health Department announced the joint Reversal Project between NCHD, North Colorado Health Alliance, Advocates for Recovery Colorado and Northern Colorado Collaborative for Addiction and Recovery Supports to place Naloxone Kiosks in northeast Colorado.
This project, deemed the Reversal Project, expands on the existing Naloxone Vending Machine project, and works to supply community members with the opioid overdose reversal drug Naloxone, commonly referred to by its brand name Narcan. These efforts work to help people live more safely and support themselves and the people in their lives and will eventually provide over 60 access points across Northeastern Colorado counties once all kiosks are placed.
Though organizations have been working on these issues for over 10 years, this project is in response to the growing rates of opioid overdose throughout the nation and Northern Colorado. Northeastern Colorado counties — including Sedgwick, Phillips, Logan, Yuma, Washington, Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Elbert, Morgan, Weld and Larimer — are no exception to these rates and have experienced 70.7% increase in overdose fatalities across the region from 2020 to 2021.
With the recent expansion, kiosks have been placed in Morgan, Yuma, Washington, Sedgwick, Phillips and Logan counties. Northeast Colorado Health Department has been a critical partner in the work and has advocated for robust placement throughout the region.
“One of our overarching goals for the health department and the public health improvement plan is improving behavioral
health in our communities. Substance use has always been a problem in our community, we just have more resources and partners. Overall, we are trying to connect people to the resources they need,” said Trish Mcclain, Director of Northeast Colorado Health Department.
Another partner in the project, the North Colorado Health Alliance convenes partners and coworkers in education, community service, health care, business, faith-based organizations, and government. The Alliance’s mission is to see Northern Colorado become the healthiest region in the healthiest state by developing and supporting
a healthy population with 100% access to quality service and care at a sustainable cost.
“This is a community issue that requires a community response. This is just one way we are working with our region to reduce overdose deaths. We are as strong as our partnerships and excited to work with our communities to increase access to naloxone regionally.” said Dr. Mark Wallace, CEO of the North Colorado Health Alliance.
To find a Reversal Project, naloxone access point, visit: https://northcoloradohealthalliance.org/naloxone/. In Logan County, a kiosk has been placed outside the Advocates for Recovery Colorado building at 216 N. Third St. in Sterling.