Expanding Access to Lifesaving Narcan at West Chicago Public Library
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
The DuPage Narcan Program (DNP) is thrilled to have partnered with West Chicago Public Library District (WCPLD) and WeGo Together for Kids to help install a wall-mounted Narcan vending cabinet for the library! Narcan (naloxone) is a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and the DNP works to make Narcan more readily accessible by residents throughout DuPage County. Narcan is available over the counter for purchase at pharmacies across the country, but many people that need to access Narcan are unable to pay for a medication they hope they never have to use. The machine at WCPLD provides Narcan nasal spray free of charge, no questions asked, during all hours the library is open.
Over the summer, partners from the three organizations met to lay out the process for the cabinet’s installation, as well as refilling the machine and training for WCPLD staff. At the same time as those discussions were held, House Bill 1910 was passed by the Illinois state legislature and signed into law by Governor Pritzker declaring that all public libraries in Illinois needed to have a supply of Narcan for emergency use and staff available to use it during all business hours. West Chicago Public Library District is leading the way by not only having Narcan on hand in case there is an overdose event at the library, but also to make this vital free resource available to patrons who might need to take the medication home.
Residents living in West Chicago are encouraged to visit WCPLD and check out the machine for themselves. Located just inside the main entrance of the building, patrons can grab a box without any fear of stigma. More information about the DNP can be found on this page and virtual training on how to use Narcan (available in English and Spanish) is available at this link.
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