BROOKINGS, S.D. – (Mitchell Now) – Emily’s Hope, in partnership with Let’s Be Clear, is proud to announce the installation of a new community-access naloxone distribution box at Brookings Health System’s emergency entrance. This life-saving initiative expands access to naloxone across South Dakota and supports the mission to prevent opioid overdose deaths.
Naloxone, also known as Narcan®, can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, helping restore normal breathing and potentially saving a life. Access to naloxone is critical because opioid emergencies can happen to anyone. It could be a teenager experimenting with friends, a senior accidentally taking an extra dose of prescription medication, an infant accessing a medicine cabinet, or someone whose drink was unknowingly spiked.
“The risks associated with opioid overdoses are real, and community access to naloxone can mean the difference between life and death,” said Angela Kennecke, Founder and CEO of Emily’s Hope. “This new distribution box at Brookings Health System ensures that residents have free, 24/7 access to this life-saving medication and supports our shared mission to stop stigma and save lives.”
The Brookings Health System box is stocked with free doses of naloxone and is available to anyone in the community. In addition to this new box, Emily’s Hope has successfully placed multiple community-access naloxone boxes across South Dakota, resulting in several confirmed overdose reversals.