Jackson County Public Health has installed free Narcan distribution boxes at all three Raytown fire stations, an effort to get the life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug to people who need it, when they need it.
“Narcan boxes are life-saving measures,” says Matthew Cushman, Community Paramedic with the Raytown Fire Protection District. “We have seen significant reductions in death associated with free and accessible Narcan in our communities.”
Each dispenser offers Narcan, fentanyl test strips and literature on recognizing and treating and overdose.
“Narcan is an essential item for every emergency kit,” said Seth Middleton, Program Coordinator at JCPH. “By making these dispensers available in the community, we aim to increase access to this lifesaving medication and ultimately save lives.”
Narcan dispenser locations:
- Raytown Fire Station 51: 6020 Raytown Trafficway
- Raytown Fire Station 52: 7611 Raytown Trafficway
- Raytown Fire Station 53: 10020 E 66th Terrace
Jackson County Public Health began offering free Narcan in July 2023, and since then has distributed more than 3,000 kits and 895 Fentanyl test strips.
2023 saw an overall decrease in the rate of overdose fatalities in Jackson County and Missouri, which experts attribute to availability of reversal medication, fentanyl testing and drug user education. However, in Eastern Jackson County the rate of overdose deaths among black individuals more than doubled, highlighting the disproportionate level of fatality based on race.
“This continues to make sure that in the neighborhoods we serve, there is opportunity to save lives and the data shows that,” said Cushman.
For more information, visit jcph.org/opioids.
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