McPherson took a vital step to combat the opioid crisis by installing its first Naloxone dispenser at CKF Addiction Treatment. The dispenser offers free, life-saving medication to reverse opioid overdoses, giving residents easy access to this critical tool without barriers or restrictions.
Chelsey Copeland-Eberwein, Manager of Adolescent Services and Community Engagement at CKF Addiction Treatment, explained the importance of the dispenser.
“Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and having it readily available can make a significant difference in emergency situations,” she said. “By providing this resource, CKF aims to empower individuals and families to respond effectively to opioid overdoses, ultimately saving lives and promoting public health.”
Andi Amann, a Kansas Certified Peer Mentor at CKF’s McPherson Outpatient Office, highlighted the need for accessibility.
“McPherson community members needed somewhere they can go to get access to this life-saving tool with a no-questions-asked and no-judgments-made atmosphere,” Amann said. “We are well past the days where any community can pretend it is not affected by the growing opioid crisis in this country.”
Residents can access Naloxone from the dispenser during CKF’s hours of operation. It functions like a newspaper stand, users can simply open the door and take a free box of Naloxone. Instructions are provided on the dispenser and in the box, guiding users through the steps for administering Naloxone in an overdose emergency. CKF staff are available to answer questions, provide demonstrations, and host educational programs to teach residents how to use Naloxone effectively.
“It’s important to note that Naloxone is safe around children and pets, and if administered to someone who isn’t experiencing an opioid overdose, it will not cause harm,” Copeland-Eberwein said.
CKF plans to host community panels and collaborate with local organizations to raise awareness and reduce stigma. They want to give people the tools and knowledge they need, while creating a safe space to learn about addiction and recovery.
CKF has shared information about the dispenser through social media and plans to expand outreach efforts with partnerships across McPherson. Amann addressed misconceptions about Naloxone directly.
“Some people believe Naloxone encourages drug use or can be abused, but that’s not true. Naloxone is a safe and effective medication. It only works if opioids are in the system and has no harmful effects otherwise,” she explained.
This project marks a significant step in saving lives, reducing overdose deaths, and fostering education about addiction and recovery.
“Life is precious,” Amann added. “Dead people can’t get help. Keeping someone alive, even in their darkest moments, gives them the gift of time to find courage, to seek help, to find hope.”
Copeland-Eberwein echoed this sentiment. “We believe that by making Naloxone readily accessible, we can empower individuals to act quickly in emergency situations, providing a lifeline to those in need. Together, we can build a safer, more informed, and more supportive community. Every life matters.”
CKF encourages community members to visit its location at 208 S. Main St. to learn more about Naloxone, ask questions, and pick up a free box from the dispenser. This effort is part of CKF’s broader mission to tackle the opioid crisis and promote harm reduction, recovery, and public health in McPherson.
CKF is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached by calling 620-241-5550.
