Monroe County Department of Public Health takes major step forward by increasing community-wide access to free life-saving Naloxone

Rochester, New York – Monroe County is taking powerful steps to combat the opioid epidemic with a major expansion of access to Naloxone — a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. County Executive Adam Bello recently announced that the Department of Public Health’s Addiction Services IMPACT team has now installed over 600 Naloxboxes throughout the county.

These discreet wall-mounted boxes, which dispense free doses of Naloxone, are a central piece of Monroe County’s efforts to prevent overdose deaths and expand harm reduction strategies. The latest Naloxbox was installed at the Public Safety Building on Exchange Boulevard, following a request by the Rochester Police Department. It’s one of the larger capacity boxes, holding between 40 to 50 doses, and marks a continued commitment to protecting residents across all parts of the community.

“The availability of Naloxone plays a critical role in helping save lives by reducing fatalities related to opioid and fentanyl overdoses,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “Monroe County Addiction Services aggressively distributes Naloxone countywide. With an overdose situation, every second is critical and these overdoses occur in every corner of Monroe County.”

Since the launch of the Naloxbox initiative in July 2022, the IMPACT team has placed a total of 605 Naloxboxes in a wide variety of locations — from commercial stores and restaurants to public buildings and community spaces. These boxes are strategically located so anyone, anywhere, can quickly access Naloxone in an emergency.

What is Naloxone and Why Is It So Important?

Naloxone, more commonly recognized under the brand name Narcan, is a fast-acting medication that can reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain. When administered properly, it can restore normal breathing within minutes and help keep someone alive until emergency services arrive.

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Most of the Naloxboxes installed throughout the county contain 12 nasal spray doses along with easy-to-follow instructions for use. Larger installations, like those at major public sites or campuses, hold significantly more. Earlier this year, another large-capacity Naloxbox was placed on the campus of the University of Rochester, making life-saving intervention even more accessible to students, faculty, and the surrounding community.

A Community-Based Approach

Dr. Tisha Smith, Director of Monroe County Addiction Services, emphasized the broader impact that Naloxone can have when paired with education and community engagement.

“The Monroe County Department of Public Health Addiction Services Team works very hard to provide education and Naloxone to our community,” said Dr. Smith. “Naloxone greatly improves the chance of survival post-overdose. Saving lives provides us with the opportunity to educate and motivate individuals towards a recovery pathway. Any business or organization interested in assisting our lifesaving efforts by hosting a Naloxbox should call (585) 753-5300.”

The work of the IMPACT team doesn’t stop at Naloxone distribution. They also provide outreach, training sessions, and support services to those battling addiction or at risk. Over 35,000 free Naloxone kits have been distributed across Monroe County through a combination of these efforts.

Legal Protections for Good Samaritans

One barrier to public intervention in overdose situations has been the fear of legal consequences. But New York State has measures in place to protect those who act to save a life.

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Under State law, individuals who administer Naloxone are protected from criminal, civil, and administrative penalties, provided they act reasonably and in good faith. Additionally, the 911 Good Samaritan Law offers legal protection to those who call emergency services for someone experiencing an overdose, even if they themselves are under the influence or in possession of small amounts of drugs or drug paraphernalia.

This reassurance is essential in encouraging more people to take action in those first, crucial moments after an overdose.

How to Get Involved or Request Help

The county is urging local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to participate in expanding this life-saving network. Any group interested in hosting a Naloxbox or receiving free training on how to use Naloxone can call the Addiction Services 24/7 hotline at (585) 753-5300.

In addition to Naloxone kits and training, the county also offers Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips, which can detect the presence of these increasingly dangerous substances in other drugs. This helps reduce the risk of unintentional overdoses and promotes safer practices among those struggling with substance use.

A full map of Naloxbox locations across Monroe County is available at:
www.monroecounty.gov/health-narcan-map

Saving Lives, One Dose at a Time

As the opioid epidemic continues to affect families and communities nationwide, Monroe County’s Naloxbox initiative stands out as a bold and practical solution. By combining access, education, and compassion, the program empowers everyday people to make a difference — sometimes a life-saving one.

With more than 600 Naloxboxes now in place and counting, the message is clear: help is not only available — it’s just around the corner.