West Virginia Sober Living (WVSL), in collaboration with Monongalia CountyHealth Department’s Quick Response Team (QRT) and Wise Path Recovery Center, has relocated the state’s only naloxone (commonly called Narcan) vending machine.
“Unfortunately, Hope Hill Sobering Center ceased operations in 2024, which left a gap in after-hours naloxone access,” Jon Dower, executive director of WVSL, said. “WVSL Solutions, in partnership with the Mon County Health Department, began exploring other locations that would increase 24/7 access in a private location. We also identified that individuals could benefit from more than naloxone and added fentanyl testing strips and personal hygiene supplies for those in need.”
Narcan nasal spray is currently a prescription medicine used to treat suspected opioid overdose emergencies with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or unresponsiveness. Naloxone, the active ingredient in Narcan, is an opioid antagonist that reverses the acute effects of an opioid overdose by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, reversing the opioid’s acute effects. The protection from Narcan is short-lived, and individuals should call 911 when administering this medication.
In Morgantown, people who need Narcan during traditional business hours can contact Monongalia County QRT at 304-602-3305. The vending machine in Wise Path Recovery Centers, 900 Fairmont Road, will increase access. The machine is located inside the main entrance in the vestibule and will not require interaction with agency staff to access it. Additionally, with the new over-the-counter version of Narcan, the state’s requirement of limiting individuals to one dose per person is no longer in effect.
“Opioids continue to impact West Virginia and Monongalia County, ” Dower said. “Giving this machine new life at Wise Path can also save the life of another Mon County resident. Our mission as part of Mon County QRT is to reduce morbidity and mortality rates in our county. While the machine is not a silver bullet, it allows access to life-saving medication and information on connecting with our QRT team that can provide a pathway to recovery.
“Working with multiple agencies to make this happen is a testament to the work we can accomplish in our state when we work together.”
For more information on West Virginia Sober Living or the Narcan vending machine, call 304-602-3305 or visit wvsls.com. Follow the organization on Facebook for real-time updates.
