Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is now available at three Contra Costa County Library locations. Naloxone is a medicine that quickly reverses an opioid overdose. The medication is free and available in self-service stands in the public areas at the Antioch, Pleasant Hill, and San Pablo libraries. Doses are available during library open hours; no registration, identification, or proof of insurance is required.
Opioid-related deaths in Contra Costa and California have steadily climbed over the past decade, although rates dropped in 2024. Many of those overdoses, especially in recent years, have involved the use of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. Drug overdoses were the leading cause of death for adults aged 25-54 in Contra Costa between 2020-22. The County recently launched its OD Free Contra Costa , opens a new windowcampaign to combat this tragic trend, raise awareness, and connect people to harm-reduction resources like naloxone.
"Saving lives from overdose is our collective responsibility. Human life is sacred, and second chances are miracles. Providing naloxone in public spaces like libraries is a vital step toward health equity and dismantling barriers to care,” said District I Supervisor John Gioia.
"Having naloxone freely available in our libraries puts a powerful, life-saving tool into the hands of the public,” said District IV Supervisor Ken Carlson. “This initiative helps ensure that anyone, at any moment, can step in and save a life, making our communities safer for everyone."
“This program is about compassion and action. By making naloxone free and easy to access, we're empowering everyday people to help those in crisis and offering hope at a moment when it’s needed most,” said District V Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston.
The naloxone doses are available thanks to a partnership between Bay Area Community Resources and the Library.
For more information, contact Library Public Information Officer Brooke Converse at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us or (925) 329-8414.