On May 2nd in 2025 for details about this project just click HERE or the arrow located in the picture above! This isn’t, like your usual vending machine. No chips or sodas ! You won’t need any cash or cards either to get what’s inside; instead you’ll find a free nasal spray that can help reverse overdoses and maybe even save a life. The vending machines have been set up as part of the Broward Sheriff’s Offices endeavors to lower the opioid related fatalities in Broward County with recent installations being made in the public waiting spaces at all jail facilities and in the Department of Detention and Community Programs store front in Lauderdale Lakes funded through a grant from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services with support, from the Florida Department of Health as well. “Naloxone is commonly referred to as Narcan. Is an emergency nasal spray designed to rapidly reverse the effects of an overdose induced by substances like heroin or prescription opioids such as fentanyl. Each vending machine houses doses of this spray at no charge and is accompanied by informative instructions, for its usage (refer to the image above).””This new program aims to protect lives above all else ” stated Broward Sheriff Dr Gregory Tony “By making this medication available to those leaving our facilities dealing with addiction issues we give them a crucial resource to potentially save their own life or that of a family member BSO is committed to developing and supporting creative measures, for the safety and well being of our community.” As per the data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Medical Examiner’s Commission covering January to June 2022 and January to June 2023 respectively in Florida showed a decline in fentanyl related deaths during this period.Concurrently in Broward County as mentioned by David Scharf who heads BSO’s Department of Community Programs reported a decrease in opioid fatalities, over the corresponding time span. “The Broward County Sheriffs Office and its collaborators are deeply committed to combating the crisis through dedicated efforts and innovative strategies ” Scharf stated confidently.”We have seen a decrease in fatalities, in Broward County and anticipate that this latest initiative will drive further reductions.”The BSO has taken steps to address the opioid crisis by implementing various initiatives like the Recovery Residence Walkaway Intervention Program across different BSO jurisdictions.The deputies are supplied with Narcan by the BSO and the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue team also has access, to this spray along with deployment methods.Additionally the BSO manages a grant that assists in providing Naloxone to law enforcement agencies in Broward County.In case you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose follow these steps immediately; 1.Dial 911. If you have naloxone on hand go ahead. Use it. Make sure the person stays awake and keeps breathing. To prevent choking lay them on their side. Stay by their side until the first responders show up. The naloxone machines at the Broward jail facilities can be used by anyone. However for those looking to obtain naloxone effectively it is recommended to check out two Florida Department of health sites. Fort Lauderdales health center pharmacy at 2421 SW Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale 33315 and Pompano Beachs Paul Hughes health center pharmacy, at 205 NW Sixth Ave.