Title
a. Approve a Policy on Naloxone (Narcan) administration at Monterey County Free Libraries sites, and
b. Authorize the Library Director or designee to implement the Policy
.Report
RECOMMENDATION/SUMMARY:
a. Approve a Policy on Naloxone (Narcan) administration at Monterey County Free Libraries sites, and
b. Authorize the Library Director or designee to implement the Policy
DISCUSSION:
With Naloxone (commonly referred to as Narcan) now widely available and able to administered via a nasal spray instead of an injection, more public places are stocking Narcan and training staff to use the medication in cases of suspected overdose. Public Libraries are places where many of the populations who may need the medication congregate, receive services, and seek assistance. Though all Monterey County Free Libraries have immediate telephone access to 911, assistance can take time and Narcan can save a life.
In 2018, the maker of Narcan offered two free doses of the nasal spray to every public library in the United States, and in 2022, a bill was introduced in the California Legislature that would have required public libraries to carry Narcan and train staff on its use. Though adoption of allowing public libraries to carry Narcan and training staff to administer continues to vary widely, the California Department of Public Health provides clarity on storage of Narcan, many options for staff training, and clarity on California’s Good Samaritan Law in relation to administration of Narcan (see: <https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/Pages/Naloxone.aspx>). This Policy makes training and administration voluntary for Monterey County Free Libraries staff, and directs staff to call for medical assistance for the person regardless of administration of Narcan.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel, the Health Department, and Human Resources Department have reviewed this Policy.
FINANCING:
The Narcan will be obtained at no or minimal cost as long as possible under programs to curtail overdose deaths. Additional administrative costs, such as checking, storage, reports and compliance, will be absorbed in the Department’s operational budget, and under the work of the Department Safety Team. Should the program become cost-prohibitive, the Policy will be revisited.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
As with other safety training and resources staged in public libraries, this program contributes to robust services that have the potential to save lives.
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Jennifer Hansen, Administrative Services Officer, (831) 883-7569
Approved by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, (831) 883-7566
Attachments:
Attachment A: Policy on Naloxone Administration at Library Sites 2023