Turning Point Recovery Community Center installing Narcan Distribution Stands in region

PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) – Turning Point Recovery Community Center began installing Narcan Distribution Stands throughout the region this week. 

Brandon Fitch, Turning Point director, said these stands provide people with a judgment-free way to get the medication they need. 

“What we want to do is make sure that everyone feels comfortable to be able to walk up and get this product, this life-saving medication with absolutely no judgment,” he said. “That way, they have it there to save a life.” 

The purple color of these boxes is intentional: purple is the color of overdose awareness and the color of recovery. 

“We wanted to make that stand out,” Fitch said. “Overdose is never fun. Addiction is not fun, but the idea of providing something that’s cool and unique to this community really helps break down some barriers.” 

Fitch says the center has a Narcan Distribution Stand in front of their building, but one of the goals of the new stands is to provide easier access. 

“We’re able to put it where people are, so for instance, if folks don’t have a vehicle to come all the way here to Turning Point, we can provide that right there for them. They can pick up the medication right there.” 

And it’s free. 

“We want to make sure we’re providing free services and free Narcan to the community, so as long as we can, as long as we can see a need for it, we will continue to give it to our community at no cost,” Fitch said.

The stands are currently in three locations: Just Hamburgers on Jackson Street in Paducah, Rick’s Pharmacy on Old Mayfield Road in Paducah, and at Four Rivers Behavioral Health’s Lakes Center office at Murray State University. There are plans for about a dozen stands throughout the region.