Naloxone now available at five M Health Fairview locations across the state

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 Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota. No questions will be asked when people request the medication, commonly known by the brand name Narcan.

Southdale Hospital is the latest M Health Fairview location to offer naloxone. This is possible through a partnership between M Health Fairview and the Steve Rummler HOPE Network.

“The opioid epidemic affects everyone, and it’s critical to have low-barrier access to this life-saving tool,” said Ingrid Johansen, RN, director of community clinical care at M Health Fairview. “Anyone can carry naloxone, and the more we can increase awareness about this problem, the safer our communities will be.”

Southdale Hospital is the latest M Health Fairview location to offer naloxone. This is possible through a partnership between M Health Fairview and the Steve Rummler Hope Network.

Naloxone kits are available at:

M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital
6401 France Ave. S in Edina. Available at Door 2 info desk and Door 4 emergency department entrance.

M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center
5200 Fairview Blvd. in Wyoming. Ask at the lobby information desk.

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.

A community resource

“M Health Fairview is proud to be among a growing number of naloxone access points across the state in both urban and rural communities,” said Johansen. “Through a close collaboration with local partners, we were able to open a naloxone access point at our Lakes Medical Center.”

In early 2024, the access point at the Lakes Medical Center emergency department became the first naloxone distribution site in Wyoming, Minnesota. The free kits are available to anyone.

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 wellbeing and continues to lead initiatives that address critical public health challenges,” said 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.”

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 experiencing an overdose. 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:

• Small pupils.
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness.
• Having slow or weak breathing. They might even stop breathing. 
• Making choking or gurgling sounds.
• Going limp.
• Having cold or clammy skin.
• Losing color in their skin, lips, or nails.

The opioid crisis involves a class of prescription medications for pain that can be highly addictive. In 2023, more than 1,000 Minnesotans died of opioid-involved overdoses. Many more have substance use disorder, which is associated with an increase in hospitalizations, injuries, and adverse childhood experiences.