CenterPointe Opens Free Narcan Vending Machine in Lincoln

In partnership with Region V and the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, the vending machine is located in the lobby of CenterPointe, 2202 S. 11th St. It is available to anyone, free of charge and with no questions asked.

Naloxone, the generic name for Narcan, is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. The nasal spray works by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain and restoring normal breathing within two to three minutes.

In addition to Narcan, the dispenser also includes Deterra, a drug destruction bag, as well as safe sex kits and first aid kits.

The Narcan vending machine was installed as part of CenterPointe’s compassionate, harm-reduction approach, which involves meeting people where they are in their recovery journey, according to a news release.

“Addiction and overdose are not issues of character or willpower; they are medical issues that deserve compassion, understanding and support,” Ryan Carruthers, CenterPointe’s chief clinical officer, said in the statement.

Another Narcan vending machine is expected to be installed at Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, 2121 N. 27th St., next month.

Lincoln Police Department statistics for August show a downward trend in overdoses and a sharp drop in overdose deaths. Fatal overdoses went from 45 in 2021, 34 in 2022, 29 in 2023 to just six overdose deaths in August 2024, according to the LPD. That number is expected to increase in the remaining months of the year and as more autopsies are performed.

The increased availability of Narcan in the community is one factor that may explain the decline in overdose deaths. In addition to the new vending machine, the drug is available for free at 14 area pharmacies, a list of which can be found at stopodne.com. The drug can be purchased and used by anyone.

Additionally, all LPD officers carry Narcan with them in case they encounter someone who has overdosed.

According to the CDC, one in three overdoses involving opioids involved a witness.

A study released earlier this year by the University of Nebraska Rural Addiction Research Center found that while 74.8 percent of Nebraskans were aware of Narcan, only 18.2 percent knew where to get it.