Overdose:
A public health issue, not a private shame

By Carey Davidson and Lisa Corbett, Founders of NarStop™

 

Why Public Naloxone Stations are Vital in Stopping Overdose Deaths

In the midst of an unrelenting opioid crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the staggering statistics of overdose deaths. According to the CDC, over 100,000 people in the United States lost their lives to drug overdoses in 2022 alone. Behind every statistic is a grieving family, a devastated community, and an urgent question: How can we stop overdose deaths? One answer is both simple and revolutionary—making life-saving tools, like naloxone, accessible in public spaces.

Enter the NarStop™ Station, a publicly accessible device designed to house naloxone, the medication that can reverse an opioid overdose in seconds. This product isn’t just a tool—it’s a powerful statement that communities can take action to save lives. Let’s explore why placing these stations in public view is so crucial, not just for overdose prevention, but for reshaping how we educate the public and respond to the crisis.

 

Naloxone in Public Spaces: Breaking Down Barriers to Saving Lives

One of the biggest obstacles in stopping overdoses is accessibility. Imagine witnessing someone collapse from an opioid overdose—seconds feel like hours, and many bystanders don’t have naloxone on hand. Even if they do, fear and stigma might prevent them from stepping in. The NarStop™ Station eliminates this barrier by creating an easy-to-see, easy-to-access naloxone hub in public areas like parks, shopping centers, or community buildings.

With its bright, bold design, the station immediately communicates: This is where you can save a life. No searching, no hesitation—just immediate access to the tools needed to stop an overdose.

 

Education is Key to Overdose Prevention

The presence of a NarStop™ Station in a public space does more than make naloxone available; it educates. Every time someone passes by, it’s a reminder that overdose is a public health issue—not a private shame. For too long, the stigma around addiction has silenced conversations and delayed action. A station like this helps normalize the idea that overdoses can happen to anyone and that everyone has a role to play in prevention.

These stations can also be paired with educational materials about how to recognize an overdose, how to administer naloxone, and why it’s important to act quickly. Public placement means communities can become more informed and better prepared to respond effectively.

 

The Power of Immediate Response

The question is, Would you know what to do if you encountered an overdose emergency? 

Calling 9-1-1 is an important step, but there may only be seconds to save a life. What you do before the paramedics arrive can be crucial. Whether you are an ordinary citizen or you have leadership responsibility, you can take the initiative to get informed and equipped to respond to an overdose.

When it comes to opioid overdoses, time is everything. Naloxone works by rapidly reversing the effects of opioids, restoring normal breathing within minutes. However, delays in administering the medication can lead to brain damage or death. By placing naloxone stations in highly visible areas, the NarStop™ device drastically reduces the time it takes to respond.

Think of it like a fire extinguisher, something you hope you never have to use but are grateful to see when an emergency strikes. Just as fire extinguishers save buildings, naloxone saves lives. Public stations ensure that naloxone is available not just to first responders but to anyone who happens to be nearby when an overdose occurs.

 

Reducing the Stigma: Public Placement Sends a Powerful Message

Stigma is one of the greatest enemies of overdose prevention. Many people hesitate to carry naloxone because they worry about what others might think. Will they be judged for assuming someone in their life might overdose? Will they be accused of enabling addiction?

By placing the NarStop™ Station in public view, communities send a clear message: Addiction is a health issue, and saving lives is our priority. The station not only normalizes carrying and using naloxone but also fosters a culture of compassion. It shows that we, as a society, value human life over judgment.

 

How to Stop an Overdose: Empowering Everyday Heroes

The beauty of a device like this is it empowers everyday people to become heroes. You don’t need to be a medical professional to save someone from an overdose. With naloxone and basic training, anyone can step in during those critical moments and make a difference.

Placing these stations in public areas ensures that naloxone is always within reach. It creates a ripple effect—educating communities, encouraging preparedness, and ultimately reducing overdose deaths.

 

Overdose Education, Prevention, and Action

At the heart of the overdose crisis is a need for action, and that’s exactly what the NarStop™ Station inspires. It bridges the gap between tragedy and hope, equipping communities with the tools they need to respond to the epidemic with urgency and compassion.

If we want to stop overdose deaths, we must make naloxone accessible to everyone. Publicly placed naloxone stations like the NarStop™ are not just practical—they’re a declaration that saving lives is a shared responsibility. By prioritizing overdose prevention and education, we can turn the tide on this crisis and ensure that fewer families suffer the devastation of losing a loved one.

 

Let’s put naloxone where it belongs: front and center in our communities. It’s time to make saving lives a public priority.

 

 

Carey Davidson 
For over 20 years, Carey has been helping families overcome drug and alcohol dependency. In the course of his work, Carey and his Co-Founder, Lisa Corbett, decided to tackle a critical problem. Despite the existence of life-saving opioid overdose medication, there is currently no organized public emergency response system for an overdose emergency beyond calling 9-1-1. Carey’s mission is to make NarStop™ overdose rescue stations a common companion to AED devices and other life-saving equipment in public spaces.

 

Lisa Corbett
Lisa holds a degree in psychology and criminal justice, along with various certifications in the fields of substance abuse and mental health. Lisa has seen enough tragedy due to accidental drug overdose. She has gone above and beyond to help develop life-saving NarStop™ overdose rescue stations to help save as many lives as possible and keep families together.