Vending

Clark County, Washington jail installs Narcan vending machine

March 28, 2024

Clark County, Washington Jail Services installed a naloxone vending machine in the jail's lobby, making it the fourth one in the county. The machine vends Narcan, which helps prevent opioid overdoses, according to a report by The Columbian.

The machine contains fentanyl test strips and information about treatments in addition to the nasal Narcan. This machine aims to reduce deaths among the jail population, of which 53% involve an overdose on opioids. The jail worked with Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health and Carelon Behavioral Health to deploy the machine.

"Naloxone can save lives and should be freely available in as many places as possible. Anyone who uses opioids, has loved ones or friends who use opioids, or may find themselves in a position to save the life of someone overdosing on an opioid should carry naloxone," Dr. Alan Melnick, director of Clark County Public Health, said in the report. "Naloxone is incredibly safe, for both those who are experiencing an overdose and those administering the drug. It has no effect on someone who has not taken opioids."