After winning a national award, Los Angeles County Libraries expanded their partnership with the Department of Public Health to continue both libraries’ Narcan clinics.
“We believe in strengthening our communities through access to essential resources,” said LA County Library Director Skye Patrick. “The expansion of the Naloxone Clinics demonstrates our commitment to addressing the opioid crisis.
The National Association of Counties has awarded the library system an Achievement Award for its Naloxone Clinics initiative and the role it plays in combating the region’s fentanyl epidemic.
Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose of opioids, including heroin, narcotics, or the more notorious fentanyl.
The synthetic drug is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While doctors typically prescribe pharmaceutical fentanyl to patients in severe pain, particularly after surgery and advanced cancer, illegal fentanyl is sometimes laced with other drugs to make them more potent, more addictive and ultimately more dangerous.
Libraries in LA County
“We are also honored to receive the NACo Achievement Award, which recognizes the importance of our work in providing life-saving support and education to our neighbors,” said Patrick.
The clinics will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning July 3 and continuing through the fall. Those interested in participating can visit one of the following 10 libraries:
The clinics are free and participants do not need to show ID or proof of insurance. Customers can pick up a free dose of Narcan.
For more information about the clinics, including specific dates, please visit the library’s website.
