Thanks to a partnership with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and California Department of Health Care Services, LA County Library will host free naloxone (Narcan) clinics at select library locations from October 11 through November 9.

Customers can pick up a free dose of naloxone without having to provide identification, proof of insurance, or payment. Customers will need to complete a brief video training on how to administer the medication, which will be available on site. Distribution will be limited to one dose per customer while supplies last.

Participating libraries include:
• Lancaster Library (Lancaster, CA)
• West Hollywood Library (West Hollywood, CA)
• Leland R. Weaver Library (South Gate, CA)
• East Los Angeles Library (Los Angeles, CA)
• Lennox Library (Lennox, CA)

The clinics were developed in response to a board motion that was authored by Janice Hahn, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Supervisor of LA County’s 4th District.

The motion, which was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors in October 2022, stocks LA County Library locations with naloxone, the life-saving antidote to fentanyl poisoning and opioid overdose.

“Naloxone is easy to use, anyone can carry it, and it saves lives. I have heard from parents who are scared and want to have naloxone on hand in case of an emergency in their own home,” said Chair and Supervisor Janice Hahn. “By holding these naloxone distribution events at our County Libraries, we are making sure this lifesaving treatment is accessible to anyone who may need it.”

“The fentanyl crisis is a tragedy of historic proportions. Illicit fentanyl is impacting all our communities and leading to the tragic deaths of thousands of our friends, family members, and loved ones,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director, LA County Department of Public Health. “Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses an overdose. By making sure this medication is available in the community, we can save lives.”

“Ensuring the health and wellbeing of our Los Angeles County communities is a priority for LA County Library,” said LA County Library Director Skye Patrick. “I am pleased to be able to partner with the California Department of Health Care Services and the County Department of Public Health to offer free naloxone to our customers. While we hope it will not be needed, naloxone is lifesaving, easy to use, and an important tool in preventing opioid overdoses.”

Frequently Asked Questions and a schedule of the naloxone clinics can be found at LACountyLibrary.org/naloxone.