Overdose Reversal Kits Now Available at Hospital

Rochester Regional Health and the Office of Addiction Services for Monroe County are offering a new program in an effort to make naloxone available across our community.

Five boxes containing naloxone kits are currently available at Rochester General Hospital – all free for anyone to use in the event of an overdose emergency. Each box is white with the word “NALOXONE” written in large capital letters on the side.

One box is located near the RTS bus stop outside the hospital (Portland & St. Ann’s); one box is located in the Polisseni Main Lobby; one box is located at the Medical Office Building entrance to the hospital; one box is located at the Patient Discharge area near the Lipson Cancer Institute entrance; one box is located outside the Emergency Department entrance.

The Guest Services team at Rochester General Hospital is helping to maintain the boxes; Monroe County will refill them if they are empty or running low.

Leaders at Rochester Regional Health and the Office of Addiction Services for Monroe County are working to expand the program at Unity Hospital with the goal to establish similar stations at emergency departments in other counties, including Genesee, Ontario, St. Lawrence, and Wayne Counties. The cost is shared between Monroe County and private donors.

Allowing for second chances

Substance abuse impacts each individual’s life differently. Like the use of CPR, naloxone gives people the opportunity to improve the chance of survival of a loved one, friend, or random stranger.

Providing another way to confidentially access naloxone for family members and friends of people who struggle with substance abuse is good for everyone in our community.

“Nearly all our families and friends have been affected by the continued opioid epidemic,” said Keith Grams, MD, Chair of Emergency Medicine at Rochester Regional Health. “This is another important step in helping to provide potentially life-saving treatment for those in need.”