Two Narcan machines in Durham combat drug overdoses

Durham has installed two Narcan vending machines as part of a broader effort to make drug overdose treatment more accessible.

There are now two Narcan vending machines available to the public in Durham:

• Durham County Health Department, 414 E. Main St.
• Durham County Detention Center, 219 S. Mangum St.

On Wednesday, top federal health officials visited Durham to discuss the importance of making naloxone, an over-the-counter drug sold under the name Narcan, more readily available. Among the visitors was Dr. Rahul Gupta, who directs the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Narcan is a life-saving drug that can help with overdoses. Visiting the detention center on Wednesday, Gupta said free access to the treatment was a critical factor.

“Every time this happens, it's a leading effort for the country and an example for the nation, for the state to do this,” Gupta said. “Is there enough of this across the country? No. That's why I'm here today … to illustrate the leading effort here in Durham County.”

Gupta said the number of overdoses in North Carolina has declined in recent years, citing a 14% drop in the state, while the national drop is 5%.

Both machines are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals at risk of opioid overdose, including those with opioid use disorder or taking high doses of opioid medications, are encouraged to carry Narcan.