Memorial Hospital Offers Free Narcan Kits
Memorial Hospital is expanding its commitment to community health and safety by offering free Narcan® (naloxone) kits to the public through its participation in the Illinois Drug Overdose Prevention Program (DOPP).
Narcan® is a safe, easy-to-administer medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, providing valuable time while emergency medical services are on the way. By making Narcan® more accessible, Memorial Hospital hopes to equip community members with a simple yet powerful tool that can help save lives.
“Opioid overdoses can happen unexpectedly and impact individuals and families from all walks of life,” said Raigan Brown, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hospital. “Having Narcan® readily available gives bystanders the opportunity to act quickly during an emergency and could make the difference between life and death.”
Opioid overdoses may involve prescription pain medications, illicit opioids, or substances obtained from unknown sources. Because these emergencies can occur without warning, having Narcan® on hand is an important step in improving community preparedness.
Free Narcan kits are available to: Individuals who may be at risk of an opioid overdose. Family members, friends, and caregivers of someone at risk. Any community member who wishes to be prepared to respond to an opioid overdose emergency.
Each person receiving a kit will also receive education on: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose.
How to properly administer Narcan®. The importance of calling 911 immediately. What to do while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. Written instructions for future reference.
Memorial Hospital believes that increasing awareness and access to Narcan® is an important part of reducing preventable overdose deaths and strengthening the health and well-being of Hancock County.
To obtain a free Narcan® kit, please contact Memorial Hospital Emergency Department at 217-357-8500. Kits are available while supplies last, and no prescription or insurance is required.