LA County Library, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, announced an expansion of Naloxone Clinics in response to the County’s growing overdose crisis. The clinics will be open at 10 libraries every Wednesday from 12 – 4 pm until June 26, 2024, and provide participants a naloxone kit along with training on how to administer the life-saving medication properly.

Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is an FDA-approved nasal spray that can quickly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. This initiative aims to address the sharp rise in overdose deaths, particularly those linked to fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that is the leading cause of overdose deaths in Los Angeles County.

Library staff at participating locations have been trained to provide support and resources, furthering the County’s commitment to public health and safety. “Libraries are trusted community spaces where people seek information and resources. Through our Naloxone Clinics, we’re extending our reach to contribute to the health and wellbeing of our neighbors,” said LA County Library Director, Skye Patrick.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention and Control, fentanyl was responsible for approximately 59% of all alcohol and other drug overdose deaths in 2022, making it the deadliest drug in the region, even surpassing methamphetamine overdoes. The report also highlighted a staggering 1,652% increase in accidental fentanyl overdose deaths from 2016 to 2022, escalating from 109 to 1,910 fatalities.

“In the worst overdose crisis in local history, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health welcomes LA County Library’s leadership to promote universal access to naloxone,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed., Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Naloxone is a lifesaving medicine that quickly reverses an opioid overdose. Community access means more lives can be saved.”

The County is taking a significant step forward in the fight against the overdose epidemic by making naloxone, which was initially available by prescription only, more accessible by maximizing opportunities to ensure every Los Angeles County resident has naloxone on-hand to reverse opioid overdose.

The selected libraries hosting the Naloxone Clinics are:

• A C Bilbrew Library
• East Los Angeles Library
• El Monte Library
• Lancaster Library
• Leland R. Weaver Library
• Lennox Library
• Norwalk Library
• San Fernando Library
• Temple City Library
• West Hollywood Library

For more information on the Naloxone Clinics, including dates, please visit LACountyLibrary.org/naloxone.