WATERTOWN, S.D. – In response to a string of suspected fentanyl overdoses, Watertown officials are expanding access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
The Northeast Prevention Resource Center (NEPRC) has started placing NaloxBoxes in high-traffic areas around the city. These wall-mounted kits include naloxone nasal spray, gloves, a CPR mask, and step-by-step instructions for administering the medication and providing rescue breaths.
As Emily’s Hope reported yesterday, Watertown Police issued a public safety alert after responding to two suspected overdoses over the weekend involving what’s believed to be powder fentanyl. Both victims survived.
NaloxBox locations include:
• Brothers & Sisters Behind Bars (Main office, Men’s house, and Women’s house)
• Human Service Agency (Serenity Hills, CARE office, and main building)
• Lake Area Technical College
• Midwest Bible Camp
• Watertown School District (Middle School and High School)
• City of Watertown (Prairie Lakes Ice Arena, Prairie Lakes Wellness Center, Watertown Regional Airport)
• 612 Flats
Organizations or businesses interested in hosting a NaloxBox can contact NEPRC at 605-884-3516 or email dodih@humanserviceagency.org.
The nonprofit Emily’s Hope has also been working to increase access to naloxone through free distribution boxes across South Dakota. So far, the organization has provided more than 6,000 doses throughout the region.
