The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is once again offering free Naloxone kits.
The first official distribution of the drug used to reverse opioid overdoses is scheduled for this Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Health Commissioner Kraig Humbaugh says a limited number will be available each week for needle exchange participants, family, and friends. “Our clients are some of the highest risk in the community of dying from overdose deaths because that’s one reason why they’re using the exchange is unfortunately they are still injection drug users and that’s why they come to exchange needles here,” said Humbaugh.
The re-establishment of free Naloxone distribution is made possible by an almost $93,000 grant through the University of Kentucky College of Public Health.
Dr. Ardis Hoven, infectious disease consultant with the Kentucky Department for Public Health believes the state's General Assembly should expand funding for Naloxone during the 2018 legislative session. “Most definitely. I’m a firm believer that every syringe exchange program, any site where individuals may be at risk for overdosing should have naloxone to give out,” noted Hoven.
Hoven says there are some 30 needle exchange programs across Kentucky.
Humbaugh says a short training session on how to administer Naloxone will also be conducted each Friday.
