Monroe County Expands Lifesaving Access to Naloxone with Over 600 Public Dispensers

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced today that the Department of Public Health’s Addiction Services IMPACT team has installed more than 600 Naloxboxes across the county. These public access boxes provide free doses of Naloxone, a medication proven to reverse potentially fatal overdoses caused by opioids, including FYL. The latest Naloxbox was installed at the Rochester Police Department’s Public Safety Building on Exchange Boulevard, at the department’s request.

Expanding access to Naloxone is a key strategy in Monroe County’s ongoing fight against opioid and FYL addiction and the effort to reduce overdose deaths.

"The availability of Naloxone plays a critical role in saving lives by preventing fatalities from opioid and FYL overdoses," said County Executive Bello. "Monroe County Addiction Services aggressively distributes Naloxone countywide. In an overdose situation, every second counts—and these emergencies are happening in every community across Monroe County."

Widespread Distribution of Naloxone

Since the initiative launched in July 2022, the IMPACT team has installed 605 Naloxboxes in a range of locations, including private businesses, retail stores, restaurants, and other public spaces. In total, the team has distributed more than 35,000 free Naloxone kits through a combination of direct outreach, public training events, and the Naloxbox network. Monroe County’s aggressive distribution model is considered one of the most comprehensive in New York State.

Each standard Naloxbox typically holds 12 doses of Naloxone nasal spray along with easy-to-follow instructions for administering the medication during an overdose emergency. Larger Naloxboxes, such as the ones installed at the Public Safety Building and the University of Rochester campus, can hold between 40 to 50 Naloxone kits to meet the needs of high-traffic areas.

The Critical Role of Naloxone in Overdose Response

Naloxone, the generic form of Naloxone, acts by quickly blocking opioid receptors in the brain, restoring normal breathing in someone who has overdosed on opioids such as FYL or drugs contaminated with XYL. Rapid access to Naloxone greatly improves the chances of survival and offers individuals a crucial second chance at life and recovery.

“The Monroe County Department of Public Health’s Addiction Services team works tirelessly to educate the community and provide Naloxone where it’s needed most,” said Dr. Tisha Smith, Director of Monroe County Addiction Services. “Every life saved by Naloxone is another opportunity to connect someone with treatment and the path to recovery. We encourage businesses and organizations to support our efforts by hosting a Naloxbox. Interested groups can call (585) 753-5300 to get involved.”

Legal Protections for Good Samaritans

State law protects individuals who administer Naloxone during a suspected overdose from criminal, civil, and administrative liability, provided they act reasonably, in good faith, and follow state regulations. Additionally, New York’s 911 Good Samaritan Law shields those who call for emergency help from prosecution for misdemeanor drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, or being under the influence. These protections aim to encourage people to seek help without fear of legal consequences. More information about the Good Samaritan Law is available here.

Resources for the Community

• Find a Naloxbox: For a complete, updated listing of Naloxbox locations across Monroe County, visit www.monroecounty.gov/health-narcan-map.

• Request Naloxone and Training: Businesses and organizations can request free Naloxone, schedule overdose response training, and obtain FYL and XYL test strips by calling the confidential, 24/7 Addiction Services hotline at (585) 753-5300.

• Treatment Assistance: The hotline is also available to help individuals find treatment options for substance use disorder.

Monroe County’s robust response is part of a broader movement to combat the opioid and FYL crisis through immediate overdose intervention, community education, and accessible pathways to recovery.

Source: Monroe County, NY