The Bethlehem Health Bureau is proud to announce the launch of the Naloxone Box Program, a new initiative aimed at combating opioid overdoses in our community. The program will provide free access to naloxone, a lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered promptly. The goal of this program is to increase the availability of naloxone for individuals at greatest risk of opioid overdose, as well as the systems most likely to interact with these individuals.

The naloxone boxes will be placed in high-traffic, strategically chosen areas such as libraries, hospitals and community centers throughout Northampton County. Each box will contain naloxone nasal spray and instructions on how to administer the medication. This proactive approach will empower community members to respond effectively in the event of an opioid overdose and potentially save lives.

“Increasing access to naloxone is critical to addressing the opioid crisis, saving lives and reducing stigma in our community,” Mayor J. William Reynolds stated.

The Naloxone Box Program is part of a broader effort to address the opioid epidemic. The Bethlehem Health Bureau has also created an Overdose Fatality Review Team comprised of individuals from multidisciplinary agencies. The purpose of the Overdose Fatality Review Team is to conduct comprehensive reviews of overdose fatalities in order to effectively identify system gaps and innovative community-specific overdose prevention and intervention strategies.

For more information about the Naloxone Box Program or how to obtain free naloxone, please email askbhb@bethlehem-pa.gov or visit bethlehem-pa.gov/health-bureau.

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