Monroe County expands opioid response with Naloxone cabinets countywide

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Monroe County has committed more resources to fight opioid use.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced on Thursday the expansion of Monroe County’s efforts to stem opioid and fentanyl addiction and prevent opioid overdose-related fatalities.

The efforts include installing naloxone, the generic form of Narcan, in special cabinets in community and business locations where opioid and fentanyl overdoses are more likely to occur, a new 24-hour opioid hotline, a dedicated vehicle for the county’s Improving Addiction Coordination Team and a countywide ad campaign for public awareness

Each naloxone cabinet contains 12 doses of life-saving naloxone nasal spray along with instructions on how to administer naloxone to someone who has overdosed on opioids.

“All of our efforts to stem the opioid epidemic begin with saving lives,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “IMPACT has already distributed more than 3,500 doses of naloxone to the community but more is needed. The naloxone cabinets will be immediately accessible when there is an overdose at or near types of businesses and establishments often frequented by those using opioids and fentanyl. Once a death is prevented, IMPACT can help connect the individual with addiction support and treatment.”

In addition to announcing the new hotline and naloxone cabinet initiative, County Executive Bello updated the community on his administration’s opioid response and actions.

"Never stop focusing on prevention because that is the key to solving this crisis is to get people to stop using in the first place because once they start it’s too late. So we have to continue to focus on prevention," said undersheriff Korey Brown, MCSO.

Anyone looking for help with opioid use should call 585-753-5300. The hotline connects callers with crisis services, support, naloxone deliveries and training as well as support for families impacted by opioids.