Two New Narcan Boxes Up and Running in Dubuque- What It Means

Dubuque has seen it's fair share of opioid overdose deaths in recent years. Whether that be from unused prescriptions of hydro- or oxycodone, or illegal substances like heroin. Now Dubuque County has taken a significant step in its battle against opioid overdoses with the recent installation of free Narcan (naloxone) boxes throughout the area.

These new access points aim to make this life-saving medication more accessible and discreet for anyone who might need it, no questions asked. Funded by settlements from opioid manufacturers, this initiative has sparked both support and criticism in the community as residents discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of readily available Narcan.

Where to Find Free Narcan in Dubuque

The installed vending machines are strategically placed in high-need areas, where opioid overdoses are more frequent. One of the machines can be found outside Hillcrest Family Services near A New Day Clinic on Wilbricht Lane. A second machine is slated for downtown Dubuque, with the specific location still under consideration. To complete the public input form about the machines, go to tinyurl.com/NaloxoneMachine.

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In addition to the vending machines, six smaller Narcan boxes will be distributed across the county, with a focus on rural areas where access to overdose resources may be more limited. These boxes are planned to be located in high-traffic public buildings like post offices and town halls, making it easier for residents to pick up Narcan discreetly as they go about their daily activities.

Dubuque is also joining a broader network of Narcan dispensers installed by Steps of Hope Iowa, a non-profit organization working to prevent overdose deaths statewide. In partnership with Steps of Hope, Narcan stations are now available outside Natural Nectars on Central Avenue and Resources Unite on John F. Kennedy Road. Resources Unite has encouraged individuals to come inside if they need additional support or referrals to other local services, emphasizing a judgment-free environment and steps towards substance free living.

How Dubuque Got Here: A Push for Accessible Opioid Overdose Treatment

The journey to make Narcan more readily available in Dubuque County was driven by an increasing number of opioid overdoses and the barriers some residents face when seeking this medication. The main initiative in Dubuque was advocating for ways to overcome the reluctance some people feel about requesting Narcan. The Dubuque County Board of Health approved $28,500 for the program, which will cover the costs of two vending machines and six Narcan boxes. Funding was drawn from a $500,000 settlement with opioid manufacturers, an amount expected to grow as additional lawsuits are settled.

The Narcan program is designed to provide rapid access to life-saving intervention while reducing the need for individuals to seek it through personal interactions, a situation that also carries stigmas and judgment. The health department hopes that by making Narcan widely and anonymously accessible, it can help prevent fatal overdoses and ultimately save lives.

The Community’s Response: Support and Skepticism

For many in the community, these new Narcan dispensers represent a critical resource. Proponents of easy access argue that Narcan is a necessary tool in the fight against opioid addiction, providing a second chance for individuals to seek help and begin recovery. Supporters believe that making Narcan readily available can prevent tragic, preventable deaths, and they view the dispensers as a compassionate, life-saving measure that offers hope to families affected by opioid addiction. Many advocates, including the founder of Steps of Hope Iowa, emphasize that Narcan availability can be a turning point, providing people with the opportunity to get support and start on a path to recovery.

It is important to note that Narcan is not a drug that can really be abused. It only works to block the effects of opioids. Additionally, people cannot take naloxone before drug use to avoid an overdose. It also cannot be self-administered as an overdosing person is incapacitated during an overdose. It's also important to note that Naloxone produces immediate opioid withdrawal symptoms after being administered.

On the other side, some residents and officials express reservations about placing Narcan so freely within the community. Critics argue that while Narcan is essential for emergency situations, making it readily available could unintentionally encourage riskier behavior by reducing the immediate dangers associated with opioid use. They emphasize that overdose prevention and addiction education should be prioritized over simply providing Narcan. Additionally, concerns about the program’s impact on public perception have surfaced, with some critics worried that widely available Narcan may normalize or inadvertently condone the use of what is considered a "hard-drug" in heroin.

Dubuque County Board of Health members who support the initiative note that safeguards are in place, including monitoring each Narcan station to ensure doses are current and in good condition. Those opposed, however, stress the importance of comprehensive addiction treatment programs and feel that Narcan, while valuable, is only a part of the broader solution to the opioid crisis. They argue that education on drug misuse and investment in preventive measures would serve the community better over the long term. At the same time, they concede that people can only be treated if they are still alive after an overdose. Additionally, they contest that they can only help the people abusing the substances if they actually want to be helped.

Substance Abuse Counseling and Resources in Dubuque

For those that are looking for a way out of substance abuse, Dubuque offers several local resources which can provide valuable support:

• Hillcrest Family Services offers a range of mental and behavioral health programs, including substance abuse counseling and support.
• MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center provides outpatient substance abuse treatment and has a dedicated behavioral health department that helps patients address addiction and any underlying mental health issues.
• Resources Unite serves as a connector for community services, including counseling, substance abuse resources, and other types of social support.
• Substance Abuse Services Center in Dubuque offers both prevention services and outpatient treatment, focusing on long-term support and intervention for those in need.

What's Next For Dubuque?

Dubuque County’s Narcan program stands as a logical attempt to address the opioid crisis through immediate intervention. The program's rollout has sparked a conversation about the balance between emergency overdose response and long-term substance abuse prevention. Advocates for Narcan dispensers are hopeful that this initiative will save lives and help bridge individuals to support services, while skeptics call for a broader approach that focuses on the root causes of addiction.

Unfortunately, with no way of knowing who is taking the Narcan, no follow up can be made with the individuals, both protecting their anonymity and possibly enabling their continued drug use, should an overdose occur. Dubuque County remains committed to addressing the overdose epidemic, balancing public health priorities with the community’s diverse views on Narcan’s role in the fight against addiction.