Arlington giving free naloxone to businesses to help prevent fatal opioid overdoses
The City of Arlington is working to prevent fatal opioid overdoses by providing free medication to local businesses.
There were 176 fentanyl-related deaths reported in Tarrant County in 2022, according to Tarrant County Public Health. In total, 2022’s numbers were higher than the 134 fentanyl-related deaths the county saw from 2016 to 2020.
Arlington is supplying free naloxone to bars, hotels and motels, the city announced in a Monday Oct. 21 press release.
Naloxone, also known as Narcan by brand name, is an over-the-counter nasal spray that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are no adverse effects with naloxone, which means that it won’t harm anyone not overdosing on opioids.
Under Arlington’s new public health initiative, businesses are able to receive two free naloxone doses. To apply for the free naloxone, visit here.
“Studies show that people who work in the hospitality industry have higher rates of substance use than any other profession,” said Aimee Rockhill, Arlington’s health services manager. “Other cities across the country have had great success working with restaurants and bars to have naloxone on site, just like you would with a first-aid kit, an automated external defibrillator, or a fire extinguisher.”
Weatherford nonprofit Unity Recovery is supplying the naloxone to Arlington as part of UT Health San Antonio’s “Naxolone Texas” initiative.
The initiative hopes to end Texas’ overdose epidemic through medication distribution, public awareness and workforce empowerment, according to a press release. Naloxone Texas is supported by “Texas Targeted Opioid Response,” a public health initiative operated by the state’s Health and Human Services Commission.
“At Unity Recovery, we believe that access to naloxone is crucial in preventing overdose deaths and giving people a second chance at recovery,” said Ashley Gainey, Unity Recovery’s regional community distribution hub director for Texas. “By equipping businesses with this life-saving medication, Arlington is taking a bold step toward protecting its community and reducing the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic.”
Arlington has approximately 200 bars, motels and hotels.
As part of the program, the city’s health inspector would deliver the two naloxone doses, along with instructions on use and storage. Those who administer naloxone in good faith are generally protected under Texas’ drug overdose good Samaritan laws, according to the city.
While hospitality businesses were highlighted by the city in its press release, the free naloxone program is open to any Arlington business. To apply, visit here.
“People never have a chance to get better from substance use if they die,” Rockhill said. “This is happening in our community. We need to be on the preventative side.”
