New Naloxone Vending Machine at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church

Durham, NC - The Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH), in partnership with St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, has opened its newest naloxone vending machine, located outside of the church’s front entrance, at 1902 W Main St, Durham, NC 27705. Free naloxone will be available for all people to pick up from the vending machine 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Naloxone, often provided under the brand name Narcan, is an over-the-counter medication that saves lives by reversing opioid overdoses. Naloxone should be administered in addition to calling 911, while waiting for first responders to arrive. 

“St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, in cooperation with Durham Community Fridges, is honored to host the new naloxone vending machine provided by the Durham County Department of Public Health,” said St. Joseph's Community Breakfast Advisory Board Chair Brent Heiser. “The installation of this machine will provide free access to lifesaving Naloxone, preventing deaths from overdose. We are very grateful that this partnership continues the efforts to serve our shelter insecure neighbors and focus on harm reduction.”

The naloxone vending machine located at St. Joseph’s is the newest of three locations provided by DCoDPH as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the impacts of opioid use in the community. Other vending machines are located in the lobby of the Durham County Detention Center, located at 219 S. Mangum St., available 24/7, and in the lobby of the Durham County Human Services building, located at 414 E. Main St., available Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM. 

“Combatting the impact of opioids in our community continues to be one of our top priorities. We are thankful for our partnership with St. Joseph’s and the opportunity to provide another naloxone vending machine,” said Health Director Dr. Rod Jenkins. “We know how important it is to make harm reduction resources available when and where people need them. We look forward to continuing to expand our opportunities to work with our valued community partners to help keep Durham’s residents safe.” 

Any community-based organizations interested in becoming a naloxone distribution partner can email DCoDPH Harm Reduction Coordinator Morgan Culver at mculver@dconc.gov for more information. 

To learn more about naloxone and other overdose prevention resources at DCoDPH, visit DCoPublicHealth.org/Naloxone.