The Spanish Fork Library offers more than good books and free Wi-Fi. As of March, the library is also offering free naloxone.
A few years ago, in conjunction with Spanish Fork City’s Active and Healthy initiative, the Spanish Fork Library began offering free gun locks to help prevent death by suicide. In addition to these kinds of efforts, the library has implemented a new program to prevent accidental overdose deaths. The library’s goal is to provide Spanish Fork community members their own naloxone kits so that they are able to respond to an opioid overdose emergency situation.
Scott Aylett, the Spanish Fork Library Director, met with Intermountain Healthcare Community Health and Utah Naloxone a few months ago to discuss the possibility of providing free naloxone to the public. He also reached out to the Salt Lake City Library, where the free naloxone program has been successfully implemented for the last several years. After hearing about the positive experiences occurring at that library, Aylett made the decision to move forward.
A service agreement with Utah Naloxone was approved by Spanish Fork Mayor Steve Leifson and the Spanish Fork City Council. With a desire to be inclusive, reduce accidental overdoses in the community, and make the library a safe place for everyone, the library staff was trained by Utah Naloxone to administer naloxone in a crisis and dispense free naloxone for community members. Opioid overdoses can happen to anyone, so being prepared before an emergency is critical. If you are wondering if you or someone you know is at risk for an opioid overdose, see risk factors here.
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It is commonly referred to by the brand name Narcan. An opioid overdose occurs when a person takes too much of an opioid, which can cause the central nervous system to shut down. Drug overdoses can happen while using illicit drugs, like heroin, but they can also occur when using certain pain medications.
Some of these common medications include:
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone (Lorcet, Lortab, Vicodin)
- Morphine
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
Get Free Naloxone
To receive free naloxone and training, please come into the library today.
Address: 49 S Main St, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Phone: (801) 804-4480
Below are other Utah County libraries where you can obtain free naloxone:
- Santaquin
- Eagle Mountain
- Saratoga Springs
If you are interested in getting naloxone into your city library, please call 385-495-9050 or email UtahNaloxone@gmail.com.
Free Naloxone Trainings
Additionally, the Utah County Health Department has a limited supply of naloxone and offers a free opioid overdose prevention training. All are welcome to participate. For more information, contact Mekel Ostlund at 801-851-7139 or mekelj@utahcounty.gov.
This life saving information could help someone you love!