8-19-2025 4:02am

OD Drug Offered

Baltimore County Public Library Offers Free Naloxone at all Branches

Library partners with the Department of Health to prevent opioid overdoses

TOWSON—In an ongoing partnership to prevent opioid overdoses, the Baltimore County Department of Health (BCDH) and Baltimore County Public Library are partnering to offer naloxone receptacles in all 19 library branches. Naloxone is a safe medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, including heroin and fentanyl.

Baltimore County Public Library managers and staff received naloxone training—including recognizing the signs of an overdose and understanding the importance of calling emergency services—in July.

The naloxone receptables are currently mounted/installed and stocked in all branches, ahead of National Recovery Month which occurs in September.

Different models of receptacles have been selected to meet the space and demand expectations of the areas served by the specific branch. Based on these factors, some branches have chosen newspaper style receptacles and others wall-mounted cabinet style receptacles. Baltimore County Public Library branch locations can be found HERE.

“Ensuring that every resident can access lifesaving medication is a priority for Baltimore County, and we’re proud to continue working with our partners to prevent overdoses in every community,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “Thanks to the efforts of the public library system and the Department of Health, we are more prepared than ever to overcome the challenges of the opioid epidemic, connect our neighbors with the help they need, and save lives.”

“Another shining example of partnership, this effort will further enhance our multi-pronged drug overdose prevention efforts,” said Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Lucy Wilson. “Initiatives like this one have contributed to significant decreases in fatal overdoses in Baltimore County. We are working aggressively to continue that downward trend and are excited about including this new effort to help achieve that goal.”

“As a trusted community institution, Baltimore County Public Library is committed to meeting people where they are and providing resources that can truly save lives,” said Sonia Alcántara-Antoine, Baltimore County Public Library CEO. “By partnering with the Baltimore County Department of Health to make Naloxone readily available, we are helping to break down barriers, reduce stigma and ensure our neighbors have access to this critical tool in the fight against the opioid epidemic.”

Funding for the receptacles was made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Maryland Office of Overdose Response. The initial supply of naloxone will be provided through the CDC Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) LOCAL cooperative agreement awarded to Baltimore County and ongoing naloxone supply will be maintained through the Maryland Department of Health, Overdose Response Program.

“While overdoses have been trending down in Baltimore County, enforcement and prevention efforts remain a top priority,” said Baltimore County Police Chief Robert O. McCullough. “By expanding the availability of naloxone, we further strengthen our efforts against the opioid crisis and increase our ability to save lives.”

HHS offers a variety of resources and substance use services. Referrals to treatment include providers of medications for opioid use disorder. Baltimore County also has naloxone vending machines and receptacles at health clinics, animal services, select DSS offices and the Baltimore County Department of Corrections.

Baltimore County residents and families struggling with substance use can call the Baltimore County Department of Health’s REACH warm line at 410-88-REACH (410-887-3224) Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to midnight. The REACH line is staffed by Peer Recovery Specialists who can assist with referrals to harm reduction, treatment and recovery resources, as well as other resources that may reduce barriers to care.