Kane County launches 24/7 naloxone dispensers in hospitals to combat opioid overdoses

The Kane County Health Department is teaming up with Advocate Sherman Hospital and Rush Copley Medical Center to broaden access to naloxone, a vital medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.

Naloxone dispensers have now been installed in the emergency departments of both hospitals—Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin and Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora.

This effort allows community members to obtain naloxone for free and anonymously, 24/7.

The availability of naloxone without cost or stigma removes common barriers, such as financial constraints and transportation issues.

“We recognize the importance of empowering our community with resources that make a difference,” said Michael Isaacson, executive director of the Kane County Health Department, in a news release from the department. “By partnering with Rush Copley Medical Center and Advocate Sherman Hospital, we aim to make naloxone readily accessible to those who may encounter an overdose situation, whether it’s for themselves, a loved one, or a bystander.”

The initiative aligns with the department’s broader opioid response strategy, which includes education, prevention and harm reduction.

It aims to make naloxone available at as many locations throughout Kane County as possible to reduce the likelihood of an overdose death. Training sessions on recognizing overdose signs and administering naloxone are also provided.

“We are thankful for the Kane County Health Department’s partnership to help expand access to this life saving drug,” said Sheri De Shazo, president of Advocate Sherman Hospital, in the release. “This dispenser is an important step to help provide the community with naloxone. We know this will empower more people to help during an emergency and save lives.”

Education about fentanyl and increasing access to naloxone are part of the Advocate Sherman Community Health Improvement Strategy, addressing the behavioral health needs identified in their Community Health Needs Assessment.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to community well-being, we are proud to partner with the local health department to provide naloxone dispensers in our emergency room,” said Stephen Kelanic, vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at Rush Copley, in the release. “By equipping our community with naloxone, we are empowering them to take action in moments of crisis and ultimately saving lives.”

For more information about the department’s opioid response initiatives, visit overdoseinfo.org.

These services are funded, in whole or in part, by a State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant (TI085769) awarded to the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.