DELAWARE, Oh. — The Delaware Public Health District recently partnered with Concord Township Community Park and Safe Harbor Peer Support Services: Annie’s Outreach Center to install new NaloxBoxes — publicly accessible cabinets containing the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, Naloxone.

The NaloxBoxes, developed by naloxbox.org, are designed to provide 24/7 emergency access to naloxone in areas where it may be urgently needed. By placing these boxes in trusted community spaces, the Health District and its partners are working to ensure that residents and visitors have immediate access to this critical medication during an opioid overdose emergency.

Concord Township Trustee Jason Haney emphasized the importance of the collaboration:

“Opioid overdoses can happen anywhere, and every second counts, that’s why we are grateful to partner with the Health District to bring NaloxBoxes to our community park. This initiative is about more than just providing access to Naloxone — it’s about protecting our residents, supporting families, and showing that Concord Township is committed to saving lives.”

Safe Harbor Marketing/Fiscal & Donor Relations Manager highlighted the benefits of NaloxBoxes:

“The biggest benefit we see is saving lives. Having Naloxone available 24/7 means someone in crisis has a chance to survive an overdose and reach recovery. Beyond that, we believe the box raises awareness, reduces stigma, and shows our community that resources and support are accessible. It’s a small step that can have a huge ripple effect — helping families, friends, and neighbors feel more empowered to respond in an emergency and giving people hope for another chance.” 

Why NaloxBoxes Matter

  • Quick Access: Just like an AED or first-aid kit, NaloxBoxes allow bystanders to act quickly during an overdose emergency.

  • Community Safety: Making naloxone more visible and accessible helps reduce stigma while empowering residents to respond.

  • Collaboration in Action: These installations demonstrate how public health, local government, and nonprofit organizations can work together to protect community health.

The Health District also continues to provide free Project DAWN Naloxone kits to individuals through its office (470 S. Sandusky St., Delaware) and by mail after completing a brief online survey. In addition, the Delaware County Jail (844 US-42 N, Delaware) recently installed a Naloxone vending machine located in the jail lobby and is available 24 hours a day. 

For more info, visit DelawareHealth.org/Naloxone.