Two new vending machines offering Narcan, a lifesaving medication for opioid overdoses, have been installed in Hilo.
The Big Island Substance Abuse Council is making the machines operational 24/7, safely situated outside of its Hulihia Ke Ola Detox Clinic at the corner of Hoku Street and Derby Lane and its outpatient facility on Waianuenue Avenue across from the Hilo Public Library.
“These types of vending machines are rare but sorely needed on Hawaii Island,” said Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita, CEO of BISAC. “The frightening reality is that Hawaii Island averages one overdose death every eight days. BISAC is taking action and making Narcan available to anyone who needs it for free.”
The installation of the new Narcan vending machines results from a collaboration between the Big Island Substance Abuse Council, the Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force, the Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center and the state Department of Health.
“There is an unfortunate stigma to addiction, overdose and mental health issues, especially in small communities like Hilo,” said Wally Lau, the fentanyl task force co-lead. “With these vending machines out in the open and easily accessible, we’re building pilina or relationships that we know we need to make a long-lasting impact.”
Narcan is safe and easy to use. The medication is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks opiate receptors, so when it is administered to someone experiencing an overdose, it can reverse the overdose and keep that person alive until first responders arrive.
Narcan will not harm someone if it is given to them and they are not overdosing on an opioid. If they are, it can be the difference between life and death.
BISAC’s Narcan vending locations are accessible 24 hours a day outside these clinics:
— Hulihia Ke Ola Detox Clinic, 41 Hoku St. in Hilo.
— Outpatient Facility/Wellness Center, 297 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo.