The city of Durango has installed Narcan kits at public locations after receiving them as a donation from Mothers for Awareness and Prevention of Drug Abuse.
Narcan, a nasal spray that reverses the effects of opioid overdose, will now be available to the public for emergency use at City Hall, Durango Public Library, Durango Community Recreation Center and the Durango-La Plata County Airport.
Narcan will also be available at the Durango Transit Center but will be kept behind a glass area so that the kits do not “walk away,” said Sarah Easley, the city’s safety and risk administrator.
Easley said the kits have Narcan, personal protection equipment, and an audio and video walk-through in English and Spanish that is built into the kit. The walk-through will begin playing immediately upon being opened. The kits have a charging port and cables that city staff members will use to ensure they remain charged and ready for use.
Axis Health System recently did a training with city staff members on how to react in the event of an overdose, Easley said. She said the city has wanted to train staff on the administration of Narcan for a while now.
An over-the-counter medication, Narcan typically costs around $50 for two doses, according to Good RX. That can be costly for people and may act as a barrier to the prevention of overdose deaths.
To circumnavigate the barrier, Axis Health System at 150 Mercury Village Drive, provides Narcan free of charge to people in addition to the new emergency kits in public city locations.
It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it, Easley said.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
