(Atlantic, Iowa) – Representatives with “Steps of Hope,” Iowa, were in Atlantic over the weekend, to install a Naloxone distribution box outside the Atlantic Public Library, on the southwest side. The event took place Saturday. The box with free Naloxone, was made possible by funds donated by the citizens of Cass County and Steps of Hope. Officials say their goal is to have Naloxone boxes placed in Adair, Guthrie, Pottawattamie and Shelby counties. The ultimate goal is to get a box placed in every Iowa county.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, targeting the central and respiratory systems. It works by binding to opioid receptors, blocking effects of opioids like heroin and morphine. Commonly administered via injection or nasal spray, naloxone acts quickly, essential in emergencies.

A Naloxone distribution box similar to this, is now located outside of the Atlantic Public Library.

Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition will be supplying doses to the box on a monthly basis. More information on the Naloxone boxes can be found at stepsofhopeiowa.org.