Vending machines offer 'lifesaving' overdose medication to Missouri residents for free

Susan Szuch, Springfield News-Leader
·3 min read

Richland-based Central Ozarks Medical Center is installing four vending machines that will distribute Narcan, a nasal spray that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, for free. In 2021, there were 1,581 deaths in the state due to opioid overdose, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Two machines are already in place: One at COMC community center the HUB, 1371 C Bagnell Dam Blvd. in Lake Ozark, and the other at Lebanon Police Station, 401 S. Jefferson Ave. in Lebanon. Another one is in place in Camdenton, but not yet stocked with medication. The last one will be at Pulaski County Health Department in Waynesville.

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"We were glad to help when Lauren Mitchell of Lane Change asked if we could find a place to put the Narcan vending machine. Narcan is a lifesaving medication, and it is reassuring to know that we have organizations interested in making it easily available to everyone," said Lebanon Police Chief Bryan Arnold. Lane Change is a Lebanon nonprofit that offers prevention, outreach and education about substance abuse.

According to Constance Hoffman, COMC marketing and communications director, the machine works like any other vending machine: Instead of a dollar bill, people insert a voucher that is beside or on the machine, and then enter the number of the tray with the Narcan. The medication is free.

"You can get as many as you wish; there are two Narcan sprays to a box. The instructions for use are inside the box, but there's also a training video on our website," Hoffman said.

No information is taken down when someone uses the machine, Hoffman said. People don't need to enter their phone number or any identifying data to obtain the Narcan, and there are no cameras recording who uses the machine. There is also no limit to how many packages of Narcan one person can take from the machine.

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"It's really recommended that everyone carry Narcan with them. You never know, you could be at a concert, a festival, or someone could be unwillingly exposed to fentanyl, and (Narcan) could be a lifesaver when administered appropriately and timely," Hoffman said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Narcan will not cause harmful effects in someone who is not overdosing on opioids. Narcan is also available without a prescription from pharmacies and through community agencies that serve as Narcan distribution centers.

What are signs of an opioid overdose?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of opioid overdose can be difficult to recognize: "If you aren’t sure, it is best to treat the situation like an overdose — you could save a life."

Signs of an overdose could include:

  • Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils" that don't react to light;

  • Slow, shallow breathing;

  • Falling asleep or lack of consciousness;

  • Choking or gurgling sounds;

  • Limp body;

  • Pale, blue or cold skin.

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Narcan vending machines increase Ozarks access to overdose antidote