Narcan vending machines installed at Davidson County Sheriff’s Office facilities
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — According to the Metro Public Health Department, there were more than 5,600 overdoses last year in Davidson County, killing 714 people.
To combat that, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has implemented a new strategy that might surprise you. It’s a bright blue vending machine in the main lobby of the Downtown Detention Center.
The machine is covered with bright stickers that say “FREE Narcan” and “Reversing an overdose is in your hands.” There is also a graphic that shows how to administer a dose of the nasal spray to an unconscious person, as well as a QR code that takes you to the DCSO’s website to see instructions and videos of how to use the product.
Metro Public Health Department to now supply free Narcan at pharmacy
Inside the machine is row after row of boxes filled with 8 milligrams of Kloxxado nasal spray, the brand of naloxone supplied to the DCSO.
All you have to do is punch in a code and the two-pack box falls into the slot. That’s it — no money and no ID necessary.
“The Tennessee Department of Health helped us buy the vending machines through grant money, and then we have a pharmaceutical supplier that’s actually filling the machines at no cost to us,” said DCSO Communications Director Jon Adams.
News 2 asked why a product like this is available in a public space. Does such a machine promote more drug use?
Inmate overdose concerns continue in Davidson County
“The problem is city-wide, and it’s not going away. If we have an option to treat, if we have an option to help, to prevent a loss of life, then why wouldn’t we take advantage of that and make it available to the public?” Adams replied.
Out on the street, the feelings are mixed.
When shown a picture of the machine at the sheriff’s office, Paul from South Dakota asked why they would do that.
When told it saves lives, he said, “No, man. You’re doing drugs. You don’t need stuff to help you, you need to go get help.”
⏩ Read today’s top stories on wkrn.com
After News 2 told Paul a grant pays for the machine and the Narcan, he said, “And the grant cost somebody money, so regardless, it’s not a good idea.”
Another man visiting Nashville from Chicago said, “I think it’s a great idea. It’s a life saver. I mean, it’s a bad situation when it’s needed, but it’s a tool.”
In addition to the Downtown Detention Center on James Robertson Parkway, the DCSO has a second vending machine at its facility on Harding Place. It is also free of charge, no questions asked.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
