Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services (Flagler OARS) is now offering free naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) distribution kiosks to local businesses as part of an initiative to make Flagler County a truly recovery-friendly community.
The Barney Naloxone Stand-Newspaper Stand Style Free Standing Naloxone Distribution Boxes come in various sizes and were provided to Flagler OARS by the State of Florida in recognition of their peer recovery work in the community. These weatherproof containers house free Narcan (naloxone) and include clear instructions on how to administer the life-saving medication during an opioid overdose emergency.
“Having a naloxone distribution stand at your business is like having employees trained in CPR – it’s a simple step that can save lives,” said Pam Birtolo, OARS Executive Director. “Opioid overdoses don’t discriminate. They affect people of all ages, including elderly individuals who may accidentally take too much prescribed medication, and tragically, even toddlers who accidentally ingest opioids.”
The initiative addresses a critical need in Flagler County, where opioid overdoses have historically been a significant concern. However, thanks to increased naloxone availability and education, overdoses have become less fatal in recent years due to prompt Narcan administration.
The timing couldn’t be more crucial from a cost perspective. Just two years ago, Narcan cost $400-$600 per box and required a prescription. While it’s now available over-the-counter, it still costs $40-$50 at pharmacies. Through Flagler OARS, businesses and community members can access this life-saving medication free of charge.
“Businesses that care about people can make a real difference by hosting one of these distribution stands,” Birtolo said. “It’s a visible commitment to being recovery-friendly and shows that you’re invested in the wellbeing of your employees, customers, and community.”
The distribution stands are designed for easy maintenance and restocking, with Flagler OARS handling all logistics. Each container includes step-by-step instructions for naloxone administration, making it accessible even for those with no medical training.
Businesses interested in hosting a free naloxone distribution stand can contact Flagler OARS at 386-233-3444 to request placement.
Flagler OARS currently distributes over 400 boxes of Narcan monthly and provides a variety of recovery support groups throughout Flagler County. The organization continues to work with local businesses, schools, and community organizations to expand recovery-friendly initiatives countywide. For the month of June, 2025, they provided support to 361 individuals, distributed 5,496 Narcan doses, participated in 52 events and hosted/coordinated an additional 34 events – totalling 431.75 hours – and facilitated 20 groups – fostering connection and healing.
JimboXYZ says
Just me, but if an addict can afford the Fentanyl, maybe the Narcan is something they need to make sure is in that budget too. And that doesn’t mean that I’m anti-recovery or whatever else is a negative perception of coming out & saying it loud & clear. Find a healthier hobby. Get/grow a spine, learn how to say “No”, it can’t be affordable not convenient to hand over the cash for Fentanyl ? Just like going to the pharmacy to get OTC Narcan as any more affordable & convenient ? Why aren’t their dealers including the Narcan antidote with the Fentanyl next fix ? Some of those dealer idiots might just avoid a life sentence in prison because their junkie customer OD’ed & died ? Not intended to enable any of it. If they’re going to do the Fentanyl, might as well live for the next dose & that relative “high” of cheating the grim reaper that any junkie claims is worth the risk ?
Those recovering or trying to beat the habit, in your corner, all of us are on that. Life isn’t really that bad.
JimboXYZ says
“Having a naloxone distribution stand at your business is like having employees trained in CPR – it’s a simple step that can save lives,” said Pam Birtolo, OARS Executive Director. “Opioid overdoses don’t discriminate. They affect people of all ages, including elderly individuals who may accidentally take too much prescribed medication, and tragically, even toddlers who accidentally ingest opioids.”
But Opioid OD’s do discriminate, the chances for prescribed medication Opioid OD described as “accidental” is probably the Rare => Never OD. Nice approach & attempt to spin someone that the reason the stations are made available, that the OD on Fentanyl isn’t for an illegal abuse. They forgot to pile on & mention the accidental pet OD’s ? Spinning the harsh facts & reality of the Fentanyl Crisis in Flagler County that we all know is a connect the dots trace back to the Biden-Harris, border. crisis & criminal element of illegal distribution of Fentanyl. The usual human shields for justification is always the elderly & children. And as we saw under Biden-Harris, the DEI&B became that “endangered species” of the mentally ill that find justification(s) that empowers their crimes & criminal activity.
Some folks don’t own what their hobbies are. And that would be the 1st step towards an Opioid Abuse/Addiction for that Independence. Is this nothing more than a free public dispensary in the hopes that recent news articles where illegal drug abuses resulted in Fentanyl deaths ? Those involved were hardly victims, active & willing participants for profit. There were no victims in those life sentences & OD deaths. Similarly, the deceased were tools to justify that means. And they didn’t cut the head of the snake off for those trials & convictions, just a relative moral victory for shutting down the middlemen in a distribution network of illegal drug operation(s). Establishing these stations pretty much enables that. What’s next ? Free needle stations like Amsterdam ? If one ever has seen the delivery method for a hospice patient, Opium in the form of heroin is administered by applying a liquid on a swab to the gums, orally.