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County executive cites 50% drop in opioid deaths, announces Narcan vending machines and regional training center plan
Summary
The County Executive reported a decline in opioid-related deaths from 338 in 2021 to 161 in 2024, announced 44 Narcan vending machines across high-overdose ZIP codes, expanded no‑questions‑asked Narcan distribution (including by mail and at libraries), and introduced a proposed multijurisdictional law‑enforcement training center agreement.
The St. Louis County executive told the council on July 15 that opioid-related overdose deaths in the county fell from 338 in 2021 to 161 in 2024, describing the drop as about a 50% decline and attributing it to expanded harm‑reduction programs and targeted outreach.
The executive said county harm‑reduction efforts include free Narcan at all three county health centers, at every county library branch, mailed Narcan on request and distribution of Narcan to every person leaving the St. Louis County Jail. "Carrying Narcan is carrying hope," the executive said, and announced a plan to place 44 Narcan vending machines across the county, prioritizing ZIP codes with the highest overdose rates (one location cited was in ZIP code 63133).
The county executive credited public‑health staff, said the University of Missouri–St. Louis donated Narcan, and said a Centers for Disease Control grant will fund stocking the vending machines. The executive also said the county will distribute Narcan boxes to council members for public‑distribution.
Beyond overdose response, the executive introduced a proposed intergovernmental agreement to build a Gateway Regional Law Enforcement Training Center that would include St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin counties and use the county's existing police academy operations. The executive described the plan as an effort to provide uniform training across the region.
The report also touched on RECA compensation efforts and a planned stakeholder meeting to support residents with Manhattan Project‑era waste claims, and encouraged council members to take FEMA disaster training offered by the county Office of Emergency Management.
What happens next: the executive said details on the vending‑machine locations and stakeholder timelines will be shared with the council. No formal vote on the vending‑machine program or the regional training agreement was taken at the meeting.
