The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs on Friday launched a new initiative to expand access to the overdose-reversal drug naloxone in courthouses and other judicial buildings across the state.
The program, known as “Narcan in Courts,” will place naloxone kits in publicly accessible areas of court facilities for use in emergencies involving opioid overdoses.
Naloxone, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by restoring breathing when it has slowed or stopped.
“Overdoses can happen anytime, anywhere. ‘Narcan in Courts’ will help to expand access to naloxone by placing it in buildings within Pennsylvania’s judicial system that are open to the public,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, adding that, “having life-saving medication on hand for overdoses can be truly lifesaving.”
The initiative is a partnership between the department and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. Officials said 600 Narcan kits — equal to 1,200 doses — will be distributed for use in 512 Magisterial District Judge courts and all 67 county courthouses. The medication will be stored in locations similar to automated external defibrillators, or AEDs.
The naloxone is being supplied through the department’s Overdose Prevention Program, which provides free prevention materials to organizations statewide. In addition to distributing the kits, the courts’ administrative office will provide instructions, educational materials and information on training resources.
“The courts are not immune to the tragic impact of substance use disorder on Pennsylvania families,” said Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd. “Pennsylvania courts will have increased access to Narcan, which when administered in the critical moments of a suspected overdose, could mean the difference between life and death."
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts oversees operations of the state’s judicial system and works to ensure courts are accessible and safe for the public.
The overdose prevention program operates through a network of 100 partner organizations that distribute naloxone and drug-testing strips to check for xylazine and fentanyl across Pennsylvania.
State officials encouraged individuals seeking treatment or recovery support to call the PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or use the online Treatment Atlas tool to locate services. County drug and alcohol offices, known as Single County Authorities, also provide referrals and help coordinate care.
