Hardware

Temperature control requirements challenge outdoor Narcan machines

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July 12, 2023

Narcan advocates are concerned that temperature restrictions on outdoor Narcan machines could undermine public access, according to an insideinvestigator.org report.

The issue has emerged in Connecticut, which recently approved the use of such machines to distribute Narcan, a nasal spray that combats opioid overdose.

The Illinois Supply Co. noted that temperature control units cost $4,500 to $7,000.

The temperature control requirement would not apply to indoor units, but outdoor units are more publicly accessible.

A Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery representative said the price for the temperature control units would limit nonprofits' ability to acquire the machines.

The state department of consumer protection said the temperature control requirement is necessary to ensure the Narcan doesn't degrade in very high or low temperatures.