Crime & Safety
Free Narcan Kits Available In 2 Howard Co. Vending Machines
The Naloxone and Safe Choice Vending Machines are automated and located in two spots in Howard County.
HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Two vending machines in Howard County harbor lifesaving Narcan kits that are free and available to the public 24-7.
The Naloxone and Safe Choice Vending Machines are automated. Each machine is stocked with two-dose boxes of naloxone for emergency overdose reversal; test strips to check substances for fentanyl, xylazine, barbiturates and medetomidine; and condoms.
Each vending machine also features QR codes to be scanned by a cell phone that provides immediate naloxone training and direct links to recovery services.
Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The two vending machines can be found at the Grassroots Day Resource Center at Leola Dorsey, 10390 Guilford Road, Jessup, on the right side of the front entrance; and the Howard County Health Department, 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, on the right side of the entrance to the health department under the green awning.
"National studies show that these vending machines are highly effective at combating the opioid crisis by lowering barriers like stigma, cost and limited pharmacy hours, leading to measurable drops in overdose fatalities," according to the county.
Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Howard County Health Department offers free virtual training on the use of naloxone, which anyone can do at their convenience using the registration links below.
In-person naloxone training and distribution is also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the HCHD mobile health van parked on the righthand side of the health department located at 8930 Stanford Blvd. in Columbia.
There's also an online training course with an instruction video that teaches people how to recognize a potential opioid overdose and how to take immediate action to reverse it.
A second online session provides a complete overview of the local overdose trends, substance awareness and practical prevention tools, as well as how to safely and effectively administer naloxone nasal spray (Narcan) to reverse an opioid overdose.
In addition to mastering step-by-step emergency care, trainees gain context on the impact of substance misuse in Howard County and how to safely handle and dispose of unwanted or unused medications.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
