City of Philadelphia Implements New Low-Barrier Distribution of Free Naloxone at all Fire Stations in Recognition of Overdose Awareness Day
Life-saving resource boxes will address disparities in drug overdoses in the Black community by reducing barriers to access; will support all Philadelphians impacted by substance use crisis
Philadelphia – The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Public Safety launched the “Naloxone in Black” (NIB) initiative. Led by the Office’s Overdose Response Unit, in partnership with the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD),the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), and with the support of Vital Strategies, NIB is Philadelphia’s version of the nationwide “You Have the Power to Save Lives” campaign focused on overdose prevention and increasing access to naloxone in Black communities.
The Naloxone in Black campaign ensures that every fire station across Philadelphia is equipped with an easy-to-use, newspaper-style naloxone distribution box stocked with free naloxone for the community. These boxes are easily accessible to the public on the exterior of 61 of the Fire Department buildings where residents can take as many boxes of the life-saving resource as needed with no questions asked.
Ability to access naloxone anonymously was a key part of the initiative’s strategy to reduce the fear of stigma that frequently exists in current methods of accessing naloxone. To guarantee the sustainability of the program, ORU will hire a dedicated staff member who will regularly stock the boxes, establish messaging and training opportunities for communities, and collect data to better understand the impact of this initiative.
“Public safety doesn’t just mean responding to emergencies or preventing violence – it requires meeting the needs of our communities and ensuring people have the resources they need,” said Adam Geer, Chief Public Safety Director “I am proud to join our partners in the Fire Department, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol programs, and our national partners like Vital Strategies to bring this vital resource to every neighborhood across the city. It is our shared responsibility as Philadelphians to care for each other and the Naloxone in Black campaign is one way we can do that.”
Naloxone in Black is dedicated to raising awareness and addressing the racial disparities in overdoses in Philadelphia and nationwide. From 2018 to 2022, overdose death rates increased by 87 percent for Black Philadelphians, while they decreased 12 percent for white residents.
Existing naloxone distribution points—including city resource centers, pharmacies, and a naloxone tower—are insufficient, with limited hours, high costs, stigma, and inconsistent pharmacy stock creating barriers for residents. By making naloxone access low barrier and free, the city hopes Naloxone in Black will encourage and normalize Philadelphians to carry this life saving resource for themselves, loved ones, and/or community members.
“The Shapiro Administration’s partnership with the city of Philadelphia exemplifies the Administration’s collaborative approach to overdose prevention by making naloxone more readily available to those we need to reach the most,” said Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “Access to naloxone is critical because this medication is truly life-saving.”
“The Philadelphia Fire Department is proud to partner with ORU for the Naloxone in Black initiative. This partnership ensures that people across Philadelphia will have access to life-saving Naloxone at anytime of day,” said Martin McCall, Deputy Commissioner for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). “Our paramedics, EMTs, and Firefighters respond to nearly 1,000 calls every day, and we are always ready to serve. But when naloxone is in your hands, you can be the first responder in those critical moments. Together, we can save more lives.”
Along with Naloxone in Black, further information and resources on naloxone including background on what naloxone is, when and how to administer it, and treatment options can all be found on the City’s website.