Likely in response to the overdose crisis that continues across the country in part due to the illicit use of Fentanyl to lace other drugs and its proliferation as a dangerous synthetic opioid, the Los Angeles Public Library is making the antidote to the drug freely available.

Naloxone, more commonly referred to as Narcan, comes in small nose-spray containers. A movement has emerged among pharmacies and now other institutions to make them readily available for all members of the public to have them on their person in the horrendous event of coming upon an individual suffering an overdose.

A short statement on the L.A. Public Libraries Website reads, “Thanks to a partnership with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and California Department of Health Care Services, customers can pick up a free dose of naloxone (Narcan) at one of our upcoming clinics. Customers do not have to provide identification, proof of insurance, or payment. Customers will need to complete a brief training on how to administer naloxone, which will be available on-site. Limit one per customer while supplies last.”

The following is a listing of the Library-based Clinics in the coming weeks where L.A. County residents can learn about the drug, how to apply it to someone in crisis, and pick up a small amount to hold onto in case of such an emergency:

EAST LOS ANGELES LIBRARY

• Tuesday, October 17, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• Monday, October 23, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• Monday, October 30, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

LENNOX LIBRARY

• Wednesday, October 18, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 25, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 1, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 8, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

LANCASTER LIBRARY

• Wednesday, October 18, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 25, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 1, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

LELAND R. WEAVER LIBRARY (SOUTH GATE)

• Thursday, October 19, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 26, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 2, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

WEST HOLLYWOOD

• Friday, October 20, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Friday, November 3, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 9, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Photo by TG23