Naloxone now available 24 hours a day at Lakes Medical Center

People in need of naloxone, a medicine that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdoses, can now get it 24 hours a day at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, Minnesota. No questions will be asked when people request the medication, commonly known by the brand name Narcan.

The access point at Lakes emergency department is the only naloxone distribution site in Wyoming, and the free kits are available to anyone. This is possible through a partnership between M Health Fairview and the Steve Rummler Hope Network.

“The opioid epidemic affects everyone, so we like to have easy, low-barrier access to this life-saving tool,” said Ingrid Johansen, RN, director of community care at M Health Fairview. “The more we can increase awareness about this problem, the safer our communities will be.”

City of Wyoming administration and the chief of police identified the need for more awareness around opioid use and how to treat an overdose. Lakes leadership and our community clinical care team are proud to partner with city officials to provide round-the-clock access to the medication.

“M Health Fairview remains steadfast in its commitment to community well-being and continues to lead initiatives that address critical public health challenges,” says Kyle Odegaard, senior director of hospital operations at M Health Fairview Lakes and Northland hospitals. “The establishment of Wyoming’s first naloxone access point is a testament to our dedication to saving lives and fostering a healthier future for all.”

Naloxone kits are also available at:

M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank

2450 Riverside Ave. West in Minneapolis. Ask at the lobby information desk.

Fairview Community Health and Wellness Hub

45 W. 10th Street in St. Paul. Ask at the information desk.

M Health Fairview Health Commons - Cedar Riverside

1600 South 6th Street in Minneapolis.

Find more naloxone access points.

When to use naloxone

Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing when it has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Each kit contains an injectable form of naloxone, instructions for administrating the medication, and information on how to get further training.

“Naloxone kits are a community resource,” Johansen said. “They’re meant to be taken home as a preparedness measure and harm-reduction strategy.”

Anyone can carry naloxone. It cannot hurt someone, so it’s best to give the medication if you think someone is overdosing. Minnesota also has Good Samaritan laws that protect anyone who administers naloxone.

Signs that a person is experiencing an opioid overdose and needs naloxone could include: