GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) — Garfield County will now be offering free naloxone kits in hopes to reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths.

One free naloxone kit is available per person at the Glenwood Springs or Rifle Public Health office locations. Naloxone is a medicine that can be easily applied and is designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Instructions on how to recognize symptoms of an opioid overdose and how to administer naloxone are provided as well as resources for services within Garfield County.

Most opiod overdoses happen at home, so we are making this kits available to bring Naloxone home. People with no medical training can be taught to recognize the symptoms of an opiod overdose and how to use naloxone to effectively reverse it. Knowing how to use it and keeping it within reach can save a life.

Rachel Forsyth, Garfield County Public Health Nurse

Click here to learn more about Garfield County Public Health.