Narcan dispensers are now publicly available at spots in Monterey.

To combat the rising number of drug overdoses, the Monterey Police Department and Central Coast Overdose Prevention coalition have installed boxes at three areas in Monterey that dispense lifesaving medication known as Narcan.

The bright blue boxes, which look similar to newspaper racks, are now located at the Monterey Transit Plaza on the corner of Pearl and Tyler streets, Monterey Police Department at 351 Madison St. and Monterey Outreach and Navigation Center at 401 Camino El Estero. They are outfitted with signs that read “Free Narcan (Naloxone)” and provide information on how to use the nasal spray.

Naloxone, which goes by the brand name Narcan, reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. It has no effect on those who do not have opioids in their system.

According to the most recent data available from the California Department of Public Health, the first half of 2023 saw 109 drug-related overdose deaths in Monterey County, already well above the 88 recorded in all of 2022.

A new bill introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, D-San Francisco, in January would require all workplaces in the state to provide Narcan in their first-aid kits. Assembly Bill 1976 is currently under review.

In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill requiring Narcan to be available at stadiums, concert venues and amusement parks. Earlier this year, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to place Narcan in all Monterey County Free Libraries branches.