City Launches Initiative to Combat Opioid Overdoses, Installs Emergency Naloxone Boxes

EVANSTON, IL - Through an important collaboration, the Evanston Health and Human Services Department has partnered with the Evanston Public Library and Evanston Park and Recreation Department to spearhead an initiative to help prevent opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations.

As part of this initiative, Evanston has installed five emergency overdose boxes positioned in easily accessible areas throughout the city. These boxes contain kits, each equipped with two doses of Naloxone nasal spray and instructions on proper administration. Naloxone is life-saving medication that blocks the effects of an opioid overdose.

Emergency overdose box locations:

- Main Library: 1703 Orrington Ave.

- Robert Crown Community Center: 1801 Main St.

- Evanston Ecology Center: 2024 N. McCormick Blvd.

- Levy Senior Center: 300 Dodge Ave.

- Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center: 1655 Foster St.

While Evanston is not currently facing an opioid epidemic, instances of opioid-related hospitalizations and overdoses exist within the community. Between January 2022 and July 2023, a total of 174 emergency room visits by Evanston residents resulted from opioid overdoses.

Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a safe and effective medication designed to counter the potentially fatal consequences of an opioid overdose, including those stemming from substances like heroin, prescription painkillers, and fentanyl. If you suspect someone is experiencing a drug overdose, immediately dial 911. If possible, follow the instructions provided in the Naloxone kit to administer the medication and remain on-site until emergency responders arrive.

Important information about Naloxone:

- It is non-addictive and nontoxic

- It poses no adverse effects, even in the case of children

- As an opioid blocker, Naloxone solely targets opioid overdoses, having no impact on other substances or situations

For those in need of assistance or information concerning opioid-related issues, including concerned family members and friends of affected individuals, support is available. The Illinois Department of Human Services provides a 24/7 hotline at 833-234-6343. Additional resources can be found at ilhelpline.org.

For more details about Evanston's Narcan program, please visit cityofevanston.org/opioid or contact the Health and Human Services Department at [email protected] or 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.