Family Health West Primary Care Adds Life-Saving Naloxone Kiosk

Family Health West recently partnered with Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) to place a new naloxone kiosk on their campus. Naloxone, also called Narcan, quickly reverses an opioid overdose by stopping opioids from affecting the body. Anyone could encounter an opioid overdose—in a family member, friend, or neighbor. Access to naloxone and knowledge of how to use it saves lives.

In recent years, Mesa County’s opioid death rate has stabilized. In 2024, there were 34 overdose deaths reported in Mesa County, down from 41 in 2023. Tools like naloxone kiosks help keep those numbers moving in the right direction.

“Our ultimate goal is to save lives and support harm reduction in our community. The kiosks are meeting a critical need—offering timely, anonymous access to a medicine that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose,” said Chhavi Attri, MCPH Community Health Planner. 

The kiosk offers free, always-available naloxone, as well as essential information for anyone to respond to an emergency situation. Informational stickers are placed on the outside of the kiosk, with clear instructions on how to use Narcan during an overdose. The kiosk also includes a QR code that links to the MCPH website, where people can find additional kiosk locations, information about naloxone and fentanyl test strips (FTS), and other support services.

“We’re really proud of this collaboration and the community impact it’s already had,” said Attri. “Access to naloxone empowers our community to act. This kiosk makes it possible for anyone to step in, save a life, and help us move forward together in the fight against the opioid crisis.”

The kiosk is located at 401 Unit 2 Kokopelli Blvd, which is conveniently located for those visiting FHW Urgent Care, FHW Primary Care, and the Fruita Welcome Center.

Background

MCPH launched the naloxone kiosk program in December of 2024.  More than 3,000 boxes of naloxone have been distributed. There are 12 kiosks strategically placed throughout Mesa County. MCPH works with the Western Colorado Area Education Center (WCAHEC) to ensure the kiosks are regularly maintained and stocked.