Laredo health partners report May Narcan use, no overdose deaths in April–May

Laredo public-health partners reported that Narcan distributed from vending machines and outreach efforts helped reduce fatal overdoses this spring, and that emergency responders continue to be summoned to overdose events.

Adriana (administrator) reported that Narcan vending locations include Marina Public Health and Sierra Leone Recreation and Baskin and that vending/distribution produced 12 doses in May. She said the city tracked nonfatal overdoses by ZIP code, reporting counts of five in 78040, four in 78041, five in 78043, two in 78045 and five in 78046.

"We are very happy to report again. April and May, we had 0 deaths, due to overdose," Adriana said, noting a drop from four overdose deaths in 2024 to zero in the same period this year. She added that overdoses continue to occur and that some people refuse hospital transport after being revived with Narcan.

The presentation emphasized coordination among coalition partners, outreach and distribution as contributors to the downward trend. Adriana said fire and EMS are activated to overdose sites and that Narcan is available in multiple community locations.

Coalition members asked for summer outreach resources and agreed to share summer-program listings and volunteer opportunities so prevention and treatment partners could refer families and youth.

The update did not include an itemized budget for Narcan distribution, nor did it attach a formal count of total vending machines across the city beyond the locations named. The presentation also did not state whether the vending machines or Narcan distribution are funded by the city, a grant, or a partner organization.