Opioid misuse and abuse is a nationwide epidemic impacting the lives of millions of Americans. In Utah, there are 7,000 opioid subscriptions filled every day. Over the last decade, prescription pain medications have been responsible for more drug deaths in Utah than all other drugs combined. By equipping staff and the community with Naloxone rescue kits we are increasing the chances of preventing overdoses and, more importantly, we are keeping community members alive.

In 2017, we provided a manager training that highlighted the signs of an overdose and proper response – to include administering Naloxone. At this time, each of our 18 branches received a Naloxone rescue kits. In 2018, we recognized the need for the public to easily and affordably obtain rescue kits, and we partnered with Utah Naloxone, who offered to donate rescue kits to the library. The partnership and donation was agreed upon via a MOU.

Community response to this offering has been extremely positive. As a trusted community gathering space, we believe people will feel comfortable requesting the rescue kit(s) from the library and, if interested, they will also have direct access to information about substance use disorder and treatment resources. Our librarians are at the ready to provide a reference interview should the patron desire. The ultimate anticipated outcome is reducing opioid overdose deaths.