The state of Indiana is dedicating tens of thousands of federal dollars to making naloxone, the opioid-involved overdose reversal medication, publicly available every day and around the clock.
On February 5, Governor Eric Holcomb announced that the state will be partnering with the harm reduction nonprofit Overdose Lifeline to bring NaloxBoxes—hard acrylic boxes that can be mounted to an exterior wall—to all 92 Indiana counties. Every NaloxBox will contain between six and eight naloxone doses and treatment referrals, and volunteers will monitor the need for refills. Overdose Lifeline will be purchasing 215 units and shipping from the manufacturer for $58,000 through funds from the federally-administered State Opioid Response grant.
For Justin Phillips, Overdose Lifeline’s executive director, the expansion could be a game-changer. “We know individuals who are actively using will not always feel comfortable reaching out to an organization and if they are comfortable not all safe places are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.