Oklahoma’s Own In Focus: Importance Of Narcan Access Following State Rollback

News On 6 is looking into the State of Oklahoma's decision to remove all of its free naloxone—better known as Narcan—vending machines. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (ODMHSAS) says the program was not cost-effective and didn't achieve its goals. The machines are now being replaced with QR codes that direct people to other resources.

Tulsa County DA Calls For ODMHSAS Change

Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler isn't happy the state is giving up on the program, even though he doesn't think it was the best use of the money to begin with. He has been in a long-running dispute with ODMHSAS that centers on a class-action lawsuit over how long it takes the state to process mental competency evaluations. Kunzweiler says the money the state spent on vending machines could have been used to get inmates' mental health evaluations.

News On 6 asked ODMHSAS to respond to Kunzweiler's criticism. ODMHSAS sent News On 6 the following statement:

“Our current leadership team at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is committed to integrity and accountability in addressing the complex challenges inherited from the previous administration. Much of the public's awareness of these concerns stems from our commitment to transparency, and we will continue to be open as we uncover more issues. Our priority remains the implementation of our new vision, mission, and strategic plan, which will be announced in the coming weeks. Together, we can address these challenges and improve the quality of access for all Oklahomans.”

Former Addict On The Importance Of Narcan Access

A Tulsa man credits Narcan for saving his life and getting him into recovery.

"I finally achieved sobriety on March 25th, 2013," said Scott Whitefield.

He has been sober for nearly 12 years after battling addiction for 20. Scott lost everything and lived on the street for years. A combination of heroin and meth nearly killed him.

"I showed up at a South Tulsa hospital, DOA, and they used reversal naloxone on me through injectables, and I've been clean and sober since that day," he said.

Now, Scott is the outreach coordinator for the Grand Addiction Recovery Center. He says the world has only gotten more dangerous because of fentanyl.

"The size of a grain of sand is about the size of a fatal dose of fentanyl," he said.

He's now passing out Narcan kits and helping people all over Green Country get into recovery. Scott believes access to naloxone through free distribution programs is crucial to battling the opioid epidemic.

"Naloxone saved my life,” he said. “I am so grateful, and that's why I do what I do today."

Scott believes every kit is one more opportunity to save someone who has a life worth living.

"I'm somebody's son, I'm somebody's brother, I'm somebody's friend. I have great relationships today, and that never would have happened, and I got help 11 or 12 years ago."

There are distribution boxes all across Tulsa where you can get free Narcan and fentanyl test strips.

You can also find them at the following fire stations:

1. #5 at 102 E. 18th St.
2. #17 at 1351 N. Sheridan Rd.
3. #222 at 1303 E. 15th St.

Where To Find Narcan

Those boxes used to be newspaper boxes, but unlike the paper, everything inside these boxes is free. News On 6 spoke with Family and Children's Services about how important it is to have Narcan out in the community.

"It's a very scary time for our society and community at large, and having Narcan in your vehicle and in your purse for any unexpected situation—it can be a life-saving act," said Krista Lewis.

The state also has Narcan; there's a form on the Department of Mental Health's website. Just fill it out, and the state will mail it to you for free.