NaloxBox Program expanded to public libraries
SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y. >> Saratoga County officials announced the Saratoga County Department of Health has expanded its NaloxBox Program to include a partnership with the Southern Adirondack Library System.
The Southern Adirondack Library System has installed NaloxBoxes at all its members in Saratoga County providing access to lifesaving Naloxone at 12 locations.
The NaloxBox Program aims to address the opioid overdose crisis by providing public access to Naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
Inspired by the life-saving concept of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), the NaloxBox serves as a public emergency intervention tool that houses multiple prepackaged doses of nasal naloxone spray. Like an AED, bystanders can freely access the box and its contents to help save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose.
“Saratoga County is committed to combating the opioid epidemic through a multi-pronged approach that includes education, prevention, treatment, and response efforts,” Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett of Clifton Park said in the release. Through the NaloxBox Program, we are bringing resources to the community and empowering people to save lives.
“We are thankful to the Southern Adirondack Library System and their member libraries for their partnership in this important program that provides public access to life-saving Naloxone.”
NaloxBoxes may be found at any of the 11 public libraries (and one branch) in Saratoga County:
• Ballston Spa Public Library
• Ballston Community Public Library
• Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library • Corinth Free Library • Galway Public Library • Mechanicville District Public Library
• Round Lake (Women’s Round Lake Improvement Society Library & Malta branch library)
• Saratoga Springs Public Library
• Schuylerville Public Library
• Stillwater Public Library
• Waterford Public Library
“The persistence of opioids and other illicit substances in our community represents an imminent threat to public health, which makes providing the community with access to potentially life-saving tools like naloxone, so important,” Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Health, Daniel Kuhles, MD MPH, said in the release.
“We are thankful for this partnership with the Southern Adirondak Library System and their members in Saratoga County.”
“Public libraries are a vital community resource,” said Erica Freudenberger, the Outreach, Engagement, and Marketing consultant at the Southern Adirondack Library System. “We are committed to supporting community health and appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Saratoga County Health Department on this important initiative.”
The County’s Department of Health will distribute a total of 35 NaloxBoxes to community organizations, businesses, and towns for installation in public spaces countywide. The program’s cost of $9,134 was paid for with Opioid Settlement Funds.
Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. It only works on opioids, such as heroin, prescription pain medications and fentanyl, but it is safe to use even if opioids are not present. 911 should always be called after administering Naloxone.
New York State’s Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.
Saratoga County has received approximately $1,156,700 in Opioid Settlement Funds since 2022 and has dedicated its use to a multi-agency approach between the Saratoga County Department of Health, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Sheriff’s Office to provide prevention, education, treatment and response services and programs to fight the effects of the opioid epidemic in our communities.
The Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS) is a voluntary association of 34 public libraries in Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. We work together to provide the best possible library services to residents of our region. For more information about SALS, visit https:// salsblog.sals.edu/
For more information about Saratoga County’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis, visit www.SaratogaCountyNY.gov/DOH