BRATTLEBORO-Two new Narcan dispensers are now available in Brattleboro, one at Groundworks and one at Brooks Memorial Library, made possible through a partnership between the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont and the Community Substance Use Response (CSUR).
The effort focuses on meeting people where they are by placing lifesaving medication in accessible, familiar spaces. As Library Director Starr LaTronica says, "The mission of libraries is to connect people with the resources they need. We are grateful to be able to provide this lifesaving resource to anyone who needs it, directly inside our front door."
Narcan, the brand name for naloxone, is a fast-acting medication that can reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of the drug and restoring breathing. It is safe, easy to use, and effective against overdoses involving heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids. Public-health experts emphasize that timely access matters; overdoses can become fatal within minutes if breathing is not restored.
Despite its effectiveness, stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to naloxone access and use, often rooted in misconceptions about substance use and who "deserves" help.
CDC research shows that stigma can discourage people from carrying Narcan or seeking training. We hope if we normalize Narcan, placing it in public spaces, offering it without judgment, and treating it like any other emergency tool, we can help save lives.
By placing dispensers in locations that serve a wide range of Brattleboro residents, the AIDS Project and CSUR are sending a clear message: overdose prevention is a shared community responsibility, and everyone deserves the chance to survive and recover.
Reversing an overdose is not the end of the story, it can also be the beginning. Narcan gives people the chance to stay alive long enough to access treatment, recovery services, and support. Every reversal creates an opportunity for connection, care, and a path forward.
With these new dispensers, APSVT and CSUR strengthen their commitment with others to protect the health and dignity of all community members. If you would like to learn more about Narcan, harm reduction or get training, please contact CSUR at CSUR802VT@gmail.com or APSVT at 802-254-4444.
Community Substance Use Response
Brattleboro
Robin Rieske, MS, CPS, coordinator
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