Naloxone boxes installed in public for use against overdoses

A group called Wisconsin Voices for Recovery is working with Milwaukee-based pharmacy to install naloxone boxes around the state. | Photo: Photo provided by Duluth Police Department

Associated Press
Updated: February 22, 2021 09:54 AM
Created: February 22, 2021 09:52 AM

MADISON, Wis. - With opioid overdoses setting records in 2020, an effort is underway to install boxes in public that would make a frequently used rescue medication available in case of emergency.

A group called Wisconsin Voices for Recovery is working with Milwaukee-based pharmacy Serve You Rx to install naloxone boxes around the state.

The drug, more commonly known as Narcan, can be administered without a prescription.

Wisconsin Public Radio reports the effort comes as more than 81,000 people died of opioid overdoses last year, including more than 500 in Milwaukee County.

Dr. Alison Miller of UW Health said giving naloxone is easy and patients usually revive within minutes.