Narcan vending machines installed across U.S. to fight opioid crisis

Driving the news: New York City plans to install 10 public health vending machines that would dispense free Narcan and other "harm reduction" supplies in neighborhoods that have been hit hard by drug overdoses, according to the Times.

• The machines will carry sterile syringes, safe-sex kits and toiletries too, city health officials say.

The self-serve vending machines are turning up in other communities as well, including prisons, under government-funded pilot programs.

• Los Angeles County last year began offering Narcan to people leaving jail, and has since distributed more than 34,000 doses through free vending machines set up at exits.
• In Michigan, Narcan vending machines were installed in 15 communities, mostly at drug rehab agencies and county jails statewide.

• Other states, including Indiana and Kentucky, have deployed Narcan vending machines as well.

How it works: Narcan, which can be inhaled or injected, works by blocking the effects of opiates on the brain to restore breathing.

• When administered early, it can save lives.
• Many police officers and other first responders regularly carry and administer Narcan for overdose cases.

The bottom line: Narcan vending machines are a practical and inexpensive tool to help prevent opioid overdoses.

Yes, but: Critics say access to syringes and Narcan doesn't address the underlying issues that cause addiction.