A medication that reverses opioid overdoses is now available at three branches of the Contra Costa County Library.
Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is free and available in self-service stands in the public areas at the Antioch, Pleasant Hill, and San Pablo libraries, the library said in a statement Thursday.
Doses are available while the branches are open. No registration, identification, or proof of insurance is required.
Opioid-related deaths in Contra Costa County and California have steadily climbed over the past decade, although rates dropped in 2024, according to the library.
Many opioid overdoses involve fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. Drug overdoses were the leading cause of death for adults 25-54 years old in Contra Costa County between 2020-22, the library said.
The county recently launched its OD Free Contra Costa campaign to combat opioid use and connect people to harm-reduction resources like naloxone.
“Saving lives from overdose is our collective responsibility. Human life is sacred, and second chances are miracles. Providing naloxone in public spaces like libraries is a vital step toward health equity and dismantling barriers to care,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia.
The naloxone doses are available thanks to a partnership between the library and the organization Bay Area Community Resources.