In an effort to make Narcan more accessible, the first Narcan vending machine in Nebraska has been installed at CenterPointe in Lincoln.
In partnership with Region V and the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, the vending machine is in the lobby of CenterPointe, 2202 S. 11th St. It is available to anyone, at no cost, with no questions asked.
Naloxone, the generic name for Narcan, is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. The nasal spray works by blocking the effects of opiates on the brain and by restoring normal breathing within two to three minutes.
In addition to Narcan, the vending machine also includes Deterra, a drug destruction bag, along with safe sex kits and first aid kits.
The Narcan vending machine was installed as an element of CenterPointe’s compassionate and harm reduction approach of meeting people where they are in their journey of recovery, according to a press release.
“Addiction and overdose are not issues of character or willpower; they are medical conditions that deserve compassion, understanding and support,†CenterPointe Chief Clinical Officer Ryan Carruthers said in the release.
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Another Narcan vending machine is planned to be installed at Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, 2121 N. 27th St., next month.
August statistics from the Lincoln Police Department show a downward trend of overdoses and a sharp decline in overdose deaths. Fatal overdoses decreased from 45 in 2021, 34 in 2022, 29 in 2023 to only six overdose deaths as of August 2024, according to LPD. The number is expected to increase in the remaining months of the year and as more autopsies are completed.
The increased availability of Narcan in the community is one factor that may explain the drop in overdose deaths. In addition to the new vending machine, the drug is available for free at 14 area pharmacies, a list of which can be found at . The drug can be purchased and deployed by anyone.
In addition, all LPD officers carry Narcan with them in the event they encounter someone suffering an overdose.
According to the CDC, one in three overdoses involving opioids had a bystander present.
A study published earlier this year by the University of Nebraska's Rural Drug Addiction Research Center showed that while 74.8% of Nebraskans know about Narcan, only 18.2% of people knew where to get it.
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