DCCCA and Healthy Blue, in collaboration with Kansas Recovery Network and New Beginnings, held a ribbon cutting Thursday morning to celebrate a new naloxone vending machine that has been installed in Hutchinson at 400 W. 2nd Ave. at the Crossover Recovery Center. The medication Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Residents can access the Naloxone for free by entering their zip code into the machine. “Through this partnership, we’re taking a proactive approach to addressing substance use disorders and mental health challengers in our community,” Bryan Baier, President of Healthy Blue. “By combining our resources and expertise, we aim to make a positive impact and provide the necessary tools to those who need them.”

By making it readily available through this vending machine, individuals will have quick access to a life-saving intervention in critical situations. “DCCCA is an organization dedicated to providing substance abuse treatment and prevention services,” Chrissy Mayer, DCCCA Chief Community Based Services Officer, said. “We recognize the importance of reducing the harm caused by opioid misuse and are proud to partner with this critical endeavor."

Healthy Blue is a collaboration of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and Anthem Partnership Holding Company. For more information on how to request naloxone kits in Kansas, please visit https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/.

You can watch the ribbon cutting and hear from some of the presenters here: https://youtu.be/To7kcC2P0-M