The Will County Health Department reminds residents of the availability of Naloxone, a lifesaving, opioid overdose reversing medication in honor of National Naloxone Awareness Day on June 6.
“Naloxone saves lives,” said Dr. Kathleen Burke, program coordinator for Substance Use Initiatives at the Will County Health Department. “When an overdose occurs, giving someone Naloxone as soon as possible saves lives. Minutes count in an overdose situation, and I would encourage everyone to keep naloxone with you, in your home, and in first aid kits, as it’s a life-saving medication to use in a rescue situation.”
National Naloxone Awareness Day was started in 2023 by the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, with support from a bipartisan congressional resolution recognizing the awareness day annually. The day is intended to increase public awareness and access to Naloxone as a critical tool to prevent fatal overdoses.
What is Naloxone? Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone binds to opioid receptors in the brain and can reverse and block the effects of opioids. It can begin working within minutes to restore breathing, consciousness, and save a life.
What are the Signs of an Overdose? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common signs of an opioid overdose include, but are not limited to, the following symptoms: Small, constricted, or pinpoint pupils; loss of consciousness, limp body; slowed shallow breathing; choking or gurgling sounds; and discolored skin, especially in the lips and nails.
Free Naloxone in Will County
Through the Illinois Department of Human Services/Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Access Program, Naloxone is available free-of-charge to all individuals in Will County. The Will County Health Department maintains 10 red Naloxone distribution boxes throughout the county. The red boxes, donated by Saved My Life, can be found at the following locations in Will County: Will County Health Department – Main Office, 501 Ella Avenue, Joliet; Will County Community Health Center, 1106 Neal Avenue, Joliet; Will County Health Department Northern Branch Office, 323 Quadrangle Drive, Bolingbrook; Will County Health Department Eastern Branch Office, 5601 W. Monee-Manhattan Road, Monee; Will County Court House, with two distribution boxes, 100 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet; Will County Office Building, 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet; White Oak Library District – Crest Hill Branch, 20670 City Center Boulevard, Crest Hill; White Oak Library District – Lockport Branch, 121 E. Eighth Street, Lockport; and White Oak Library District – Romeoville Branch, 201 W. Normantown Road, Romeoville.
In 2023, there were 95 opioid overdose deaths in Will County, down from 112 the previous year. In 2023, 103 overdoses were reversed, more than double the total from 2022. The Will County Health Department distributed more than 11,000 Naloxone kits last year.
Residents interested in obtaining Naloxone can visit one of the red distribution box locations or email sui@willcountyhealth.org. Naloxone training also is offered through the Will County Health Department by emailing sui@willcountyhealth.org.