You can now get Naloxone at all Baltimore County Public Library branches.
Individuals can access Naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medication (and generic name for Narcan), at any of the library system’s 19 branches. Each branch has a newspaper style container or wall-mounted cabinet containing doses of Naloxone.
Library managers and staff received overdose training in July. They are able to recognize overdose symptoms and administer the life-saving medication to overdose patients.
The Baltimore County Department of Health and Baltimore County Public Library announced the partnership on Wednesday.
“Ensuring that every resident can access lifesaving medication is a priority for Baltimore County,” 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.”
Naloxone is a “life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids,” according to the CDC. The nasal spray reverses the effects of heroin, fentanyl and other prescription opioid medications.
The American Rescue Plan Act and the Maryland Office of Overdose Response are funding the Naloxone dispensaries. The CDC Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) cooperative agreement is supplying the initial doses.
The Maryland Department of Health Overdose Response Program will supply future Naloxone doses.
“Another shining example of partnership, this effort will further enhance our multi-pronged drug overdose prevention efforts,” Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Lucy Wilson said. “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.”
The county’s library branches join select Department of Social Services offices, the Baltimore County Department of Corrections, health clinics, and animal services with Naloxone dispensaries.
“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,” Baltimore County Public Library CEO Sonia Alcántara-Antoine said.
From July 2024 to June 2025, Baltimore County had 159 overdose deaths. That’s the second most in Maryland, behind Baltimore City’s 586 overdose deaths.
Baltimore County reminds those struggling with substance abuse to call the Baltimore County Department of Health’s REACH hotline. The phone line (410-887-3224) is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to midnight. A member of the Peer Recovery Specialists will help you find treatment and recovery options.
In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
“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.”
