Oklahoma City, OK—The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) has provided 213,528 Fentanyl test kits and 427,056 Naloxone doses to Oklahomans since 2021 through community programs and online orders at okimready.org.
In addition to that, ODMHSAS installed twenty-one Naloxone and Fentanyl test strip vending machines throughout the state, and an additional 13,067 boxes and 7,025 test strips have been dispersed. The vending machines rolled out in July and are located at the Embark bus station in Downtown OKC, the largest transit agency in the state of Oklahoma, Cameron University in Lawton, the Tulsa Day Center, Donald W. Reynolds Library in Durant and other various locations in Oklahoma.
Naloxone is an over-thecounter opioid overdose reversal medication that has been pivotal in saving lives amidst the opioid epidemic. In an emergency, a person cannot use Naloxone on themselves. A bystander, friend or family member must administer Naloxone and save that person’s life. That’s why we encourage all Oklahomans to order free Naloxone from okimready.org. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, also helped place eight vending machines at seven of the state’s busiest travel centers along turnpikes, serving about 1 million travelers each day. Together, OTA and ODMHSAS continue to bring education and awareness about substance use disorders, as well as provide free medicine to Oklahomans.
ODMHSAS partner Shred the Stigma reports 839 opioid overdose reversals in the OKC metro in November 2023 as a direct result of the Naloxone kits provided.
“The opioid crisis remains a critical concern and addressing it requires concerted efforts and innovative solutions,” says Heath Hayes, Deputy Commissioner of ODMHSAS. “Our efforts through the installation of these vending machines reflect our goal to save lives, provide essential resources, and foster healthier communities across the state.” For a full list of vending machine locations or instructions on how to use Naloxone, visit okimready.org. If you are unable to reach one of the vending machines, Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strip kits are available to order online.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the 988 Mental Health Lifeline. Trained behavioral health experts will answer in about 10 seconds and can help with substance use, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, depression, anxiety and also to help find a healthcare provider near you.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact bonnie.campo@odmhsas. org.
About Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: ODMHSAS is committed to promoting healthy communities and providing the highest quality behavioral health services to individuals and families across Oklahoma.
