Cook County Health joined other Cook County leaders on Wednesday, October 23, to announce the placement of vending machines that will dispense Narcan (Naloxone) free of charge at Cook County Health sites, as well as within the Cook County Jail, and Cook County courthouses.

Narcan is a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an overdose.

Vending machines are installed in the lobbies of John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital, Provident Hospital and the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center. They are being installed at three visitor access points at Cook County Jail and each of the 10 Cook County courthouses in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

“Increasing access to Narcan is essential as we continue to tackle the scourge that is the opioid epidemic,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said. “This project is a testament to the importance of inter-governmental partnerships that benefit everyone.”

The installation of vending machines in buildings located in Chicago is being supported by American Rescue Plan Act dollars allocated by Cook County government to Cook County Health. Vending machines in suburban Cook County locations are funded by ARPA dollars allocated to the Cook County Department of Public Health.

“We must continue to destigmatize the use of Narcan and make it readily available for everyone,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Interim CEO, Cook County Health. “Narcan can reverse a potentially deadly overdose, but only if it is in the hands of someone nearby. Providing low-barrier access to this life-saving medication is just one of the things Cook County Health is doing to reach some of those most at risk for overdoses.”

“We want everyone in Cook County to get naloxone to have on-hand in case of an emergency – just like a first aid kit or fire extinguisher. You never know when you will need it,” said Cook County Department of Public Health Chief Operating Officer Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced preliminary data that showed a nationwide decrease in overdose deaths. The same is true in Cook County, where in 2023 there were 1,821 opioid-related deaths compared to 2,000 in 2022.

However, disparities continue. In 2023, Black and Latino residents comprised 72% of the 1,821 opioid-related deaths in Cook County.

The three vending machines at Cook County Health sites were installed in September and have already dispensed more than 750 doses of Narcan. Cook County Health providers can also hand out Narcan at CCH health centers and hospital emergency departments.

Efforts to expand access to the courthouses and jail are part of work by Cook County Health to reach a particularly vulnerable population. According to a study published in the June 2022 issue of the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Individuals on probation were fifteen times more likely to die from opioid-related causes than the general county population.

The study was conducted by Cook County Health in conjunction with officials from the Circuit Court of Cook County and the Cook County Adult Probation Department out of the Cook County Criminal Courts Administration Building.

“This innovative expansion of access to Narcan fits perfectly with work that the Sheriff’s Office and Cook County Health have done for years to combat the opioid crisis in both our communities and in the Jail,” Sheriff Thomas J. Dart said. “No one should needlessly die of substance use disorder simply because they do not have access to overdose reversal medication.”

Currently, Cook County Health provides Narcan kits to interested individuals upon release from jail. Now, family and friends of those in custody will also have easy access to the medication.

The project is part of the Cook County Health Office of Behavioral Health’s commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic and meeting people where they are. Other projects funded by the Office of Behavioral Health include prevention, mobile harm reduction and medications for overdose use disorder, community-based drug checking, and programs to help patients in recovery, including case management, housing, workforce development, and other health services.

“We are striving to build equitable health systems for all, and focusing on populations who have historically been marginalized or underserved, including individuals living with substance use disorders,” said Dr. Tom Nutter, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, Cook County Health. “There should be no wrong door when it comes to seeking help or treatment and increasing access points in the community helps us meet people where they live.”