Life-saving drug saves Topeka residents from opioid overdose

TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) – A large shadow hangs over the city of Topeka and affects many of its residents.

“We have a huge opioid crisis here in Topeka among youth and homeless people. There is no discrimination. All age groups and walks of life are affected,” said Kathleen Link of Positive Connections.

There is a nasal spray called Narcan or Naloxone that can alleviate the effects of this epidemic.

“If someone has an opioid overdose, it can prevent death. So it's a life-saving drug,” Link said.

The value of Narcan has been highlighted since it was approved for over-the-counter purchase in Kansas in April 2023.

“Since Narcan came on the market, opioid deaths have declined for the first time since 2018.”

Many organizations in the city provide naloxone free of charge, including Positive Connections and DCCCA.

“We are helping to provide Narcan or naloxone to communities across the state of Kansas at no cost, whether it is law enforcement officers or police officers or anyone who encounters someone who is overdosing on opioids,” said Alex Wiebel of DCCCA.

Positive Connections hopes to set up air-conditioned vending machines for the drug in Topeka after receiving the necessary grants.

“This is extremely important because let's face it, a lot of things don't happen during daylight hours when we're available. So if we distribute them throughout the community, it just increases everyone's safety.”

Below you will find a message for those who want to help their neighbors and whose intervention may be needed.

“Carry it in your car, carry it in your pocket. Carry it with you. You never know whose life you may save.”

While we wait for these machines to arrive in our community, an organization called “Kaylee's Dad is Mad” is operating a Narcan station at Tilton's Westside Thriftway at the corner of Sixth and Clay.

You can request naloxone from the DCCCA using this link. Training opportunities and fentanyl test strips can also be found here.

You can also pick up naloxone at Positive Connections. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

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