The St. Louis County Library and the St. Louis Department of Public Health announced last week that Narcan kits are available at five county library branches, and will expand to all 20 branches by the end of the year.
According to a press release from the county, County Executive Sam Page, health department Director Kanika Cunningham and library Director and CEO Kristen Sorth made the announcement during a press conference held on International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
“We have too may people dying from this preventable chronic disease. One of the best tools we have in the fight against the opioid epidemic is Narcan, and this expanded partnership with the St. Louis County Library will bolster our efforts and help us save lives,” Page said.
The library began a pilot program in partnership with the county health department in July, offering Narcan kits at five branches. The kits are currently available in South County at the Weber Road Branch, 4444 Weber Road, 63123, as well as the other following branches:
• Florissant Valley Branch, 195 N. New Florissant Rd, Florissant, 63031
• Lewis and Clark Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd., Moline Acres, 63136
• Natural Bridge Branch, 7606 Natural Bridge Road, 63121
• Rock Road Branch, 10267 St Charles Rock Road, St Ann, 63074
“The St. Louis County Library has been a vital partner in our efforts to improve public health — especially during the pandemic,” Cunningham said. “It’s important for us all to remember that with Naloxone (Narcan), anyone can save a life — and every life is worth saving.”
Patrons may request a kit from one of the five pilot branches, no questions asked. Library employees will not administer the Narcan, however social workers at the five pilot branches are trained and authorized to administer the drug during an overdose.
“Libraries have become the center of the communities we serve. Through partnerships such as this one with the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, we are able to provide critical resources to to individuals and families,” Sorth said. “Providing Narcan kits is an important addition to the other range of services we provide.”