Narcoantidote Dispensers Installed

The persistent opioid crisis in the United States has been a significant concern for decades. Recently, efforts are underway to enhance the availability of Narcan, a life-saving medication that administers a sudden shot of adrenaline to counteract an overdose, to the general public. In Missoula...

, and Administrator

2025 September 13 . 6:43 PM

2 min read

Narcoantidote Dispensers Installed

In a bid to reduce the number of opioid overdoses, the city of Missoula has installed two free Narcan vending machines in public areas. The initiative is supported by the Montana Naloxone Grant Program and funded by the Independent Emergency Room Physicians Trust.

Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is a FDA-approved drug that reverses the effects of opioids. The vending machines in Missoula will not only offer Narcan but also fentanyl testing strips and information cards.

The opioid epidemic has been a longstanding issue in America, and the availability of Narcan is being made more accessible to the public as a potential lifesaver. Shannon Sproull, Program Director at Montana's Recovery Friendly Work Initiatives, supports this strategy and refutes the argument that providing Narcan encourages opioid use.

"Just like seat belts in cars, Narcan is a tool that can save a life in case of an opioid overdose," Sproull said. "It's important to have it readily available for those who need it."

The locations for the Narcan vending machines in Missoula are based on data of high opioid overdose rates. The machines are expected to be in place this month.

While some argue that providing Narcan could potentially encourage opioid use, Sproull and others in the field of public health maintain that the drug has no negative effects on someone experiencing an overdose. Narcan restores breathing and reverses the effects of opioids, potentially saving a life.

Missoula's initiative comes as a potential model for other cities and counties grappling with the opioid crisis. The city is considering implementing similar Narcan vending machines in the future.

With the Narcan vending machines in place, Missoula residents now have another resource to help combat the opioid epidemic. For more information on Narcan and its use, visit the information cards available at the vending machines or contact Montana's Recovery Friendly Work Initiatives.