Vending

Missoula, Montana plans 4 naloxone machines for city

April 4, 2024

In an effort to combat rising opioid overdoses, representatives from the United Way of Missoula County and Missoula Public Health in Montana presented a plan to the City Council last week to install four naloxone vending machines around the city, according to an NBC Montana report.

Funding for the machines will come from the Independent Emergency Room Physicians Trust, with naloxone provided by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

The vending machines will be located at the Johnson Street Shelter, Missoula Food Bank, Mountain Line bus station downtown and the Hope Rescue Mission drop-in center.

The Missoula Police Department expressed support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of harm reduction strategies alongside education and prevention efforts in addressing the fentanyl crisis. They will monitor the impact of the machines in their proposed locations, according to the report.

"Our commitment remains steadfast in responding to concerns related to fentanyl abuse, including the readiness to administer naloxone when necessary, and enforcing pertinent state and federal regulations pertaining to this matter," the department said in a statement.