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.

“Participating in Emily’s Hope Naloxone Program aligns with Brookings Health System’s mission to provide high-quality, compassionate health care to our community,” said Emergency Department Director Karen Weber, RN. “By hosting the box, we are granting people in our region who cannot afford naloxone free access to lifesaving medication without fear of stigma or shame.”

For more information about the Emily’s Hope Naloxone Program, visit: https://emilyshope.charity/our-impact/life-saving-tools/

Businesses (non-government entities) may request a naloxone kit to have on hand in case of an emergency. We encourage businesses to place their kit near an AED or inside their first-aid kit and to inform employees of its location in the event of an emergency.

Request a kit here: https://airtable.com/appPcDgbujBiTblWD/pagzmlYivGm7KI8ov/form