Introduction to Lifesaving Narcan Newsstands
Repurposed newsstands will now provide free doses of an overdose reversal drug to the Uptown neighborhood. The four newsstands are a part of the Chicago Department of Public Health’s ongoing efforts to prevent overdoses in the city. Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is administered through the nose to reverse the deadly effects of fentanyl and other opioids.
The naloxone is free to take and will be available at all four locations starting Aug. 27.
Locations of the Newsstands
The stands stocked will be located outside Nourishing Hope, 3945 N. Sheridan Rd.; Cornerstone Community Shelter, 4628 N. Clifton Ave.; the Institute of Cultural Affairs, 4750 N. Sheridan Rd.; and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, 845 W. Wilson Ave. They are the only newsstands in Chicago funded by the city’s Department of Public Health.
Importance of the Initiative
“Low-barrier access to naloxone is crucial to prevention of overdose in our communities,” Olusimbo Ige, the health department commissioner, said in a statement. “Using newsstands to enable easy, no-cost access to this lifesaving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses is one of the many innovative approaches that CDPH and the 46th Ward employ to save lives.”
One of the newsstands will be launched during a harm reduction fair Wednesday afternoon at the Department of Family and Support Services’ Uptown location. The initiative also commemorates International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
Efforts by Other Organizations
Mitzi Baum, chief executive for Nourishing Hope, told the Sun-Times offering the naloxone supply outside the organization’s food pantry is a natural extension of the other services it provides. The organization has already been supplying free naloxone and drug testing kits at its three locations in Uptown, Humboldt Park and West Town. The stand was set up outside Nourishing Hope this week. “It means a lot to us to be able to provide this support to our neighbors,” Baum said. “It’s lifesaving.”
Availability of Naloxone
The health department and other city agencies also provide free naloxone in vending machines, including at CTA stations and both airports. The drug is also available at several public libraries and ward offices. The Cook County Department of Public Health also supplies naloxone in vending machines at 10 county courthouses, the Cook County Jail, Stroger Hospital, Rothstein CORE Center and Provident Hospital.
Impact on Opioid Overdose Deaths
After spiking for several years, opioid overdose deaths dropped 9.7% in 2023, compared to 3% nationally. The state credited the decline, in part, to widespread naloxone availability. So far this year, at least 301 people have died from an opioid overdose in Chicago, according to data maintained by the Cook County medical examiner’s office. That’s down from the same time period in 2024, which saw at least 593 deaths.
Conclusion
The introduction of Narcan newsstands in Uptown is a significant step towards combating opioid overdoses in the city. By providing easy access to naloxone, the city hopes to reduce the number of overdose deaths and provide support to those struggling with addiction. The initiative is part of a larger effort to address the opioid crisis, and it is crucial that we continue to innovate and expand our approaches to save lives.
FAQs
Q: What is Narcan and how does it work?
A: Narcan is a brand name for the drug naloxone, which is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is administered through the nose and can help save lives by restoring breathing in individuals who have overdosed.
Q: Where can I find Narcan newsstands in Uptown?
A: The newsstands are located outside Nourishing Hope, Cornerstone Community Shelter, the Institute of Cultural Affairs, and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services.
Q: Is Narcan available for free?
A: Yes, the naloxone provided at the newsstands is free to take.
Q: How can I get involved in the initiative?
A: You can contact the Chicago Department of Public Health or other organizations involved in the initiative to learn more about how to get involved and support the effort to combat opioid overdoses in the city.
