Illinois mandates libraries to administer Narcan to combat overdose rates

ILLINOIS(KBSI) – Public libraries across Illinois are set to stock and administer opioid overdose reversal agents.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a standing order which adds Illinois public libraries to the list of locations that are permitted to keep a supply of opioid overdose reversal agents on hand, and to allow trained staff to administer them in the event of a suspected overdose on their premises.

The revised standing order will make it easier for libraries to comply with new provisions of the Illinois Local Library Act which will take effect on January 1, 2026.

According to data Illinois saw more than 3500 overdose deaths in 2023. Naloxone spray is a very safe effective medication that can reverse opioid overdose within minutes.

Dr. Catherine Counard is the Preventive Medicine Medical Advisor for the Illinois Department of Public Health she says having Narcan so readily available will help combat the amount of overdose deaths in the state.

“Hundreds of people dying every year in Illinois from opioid overdose. So those deaths, unfortunately, can happen at any time, anywhere” says Counard.

For resources on how to obtain free Narcan Here’s Where You Can Get Free Narcan – GoodRx