Hardware

Florida hospital system deploys Narcan machines despite opposition

Image: Adobe Stock.

March 16, 2023

SMA Healthcare, a Palatka, Florida based health care system, has installed Narcan vending machines throughout Putnam County despite some concerns that the free Narcan enables addicts to continue to use drugs, according to a news4jax.com report.

Narcan, a nasal spray, reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Some claim that the machines encourage addiction since the addicts know they have a safety net.

SMA Healthcare used grant money to install the machines and is considering expanding them to its facilities in Marion, St. Johns, Volusia and Flagler counties.