In Mesa County, a public health initiative is transforming how our community responds to the opioid crisis.

Mesa County Public Health recently expanded its naloxone kiosk program, adding three new sites at the Orchard Mesa, Palisade and Collbran Mesa County Library branches. This brings the total to 12 kiosks located across the county, strategically positioned in accessible locations that enable prompt assistance.

Since its launch in December 2024, the program has distributed more than 3,000 boxes of naloxone, an opioid-overdose-reversal medication, free of charge. It’s a milestone worth noting not only for its human impact, but for what it represents: a low-barrier model of public health that’s proving its value quickly.

“Mesa County residents have responded positively to the program,” said Chhavi Attri, community health planner at Mesa County Public Health. “Early usage data and direct feedback confirm the kiosks are meeting a critical need, giving people timely access to a medicine that can save lives.”

A business case for public health

The ripple effects of substance use don’t stop at the clinic door. They show up in our workplaces, our hiring pipelines, our insurance costs and our local economy.

Every life saved by a timely dose of naloxone is someone who may recover, re-enter the workforce, care for a family or contribute to the community. From a cost-benefit perspective, programs like this represent a proactive investment in stability and resilience.

These kiosks also provide a safety net not just for those struggling with addiction, but for employees, coworkers or customers who may find themselves responding to an overdose in real time. Each kiosk includes bilingual instructions and requires no appointment or identification to access.

Expanding reach, expanding impact

“We’re proud to expand this program,” Attri said. “Every box of naloxone out in the community represents a chance for someone to survive, recover and eventually thrive. That’s the ultimate goal.”

Kiosks are located at places where need is high and foot traffic is reliable. The recent additions also ensure that rural residents aren’t left behind.

A call to engage

Business owners and managers can support this effort in meaningful ways:

• Host overdose prevention training for your staff.
• Include naloxone in your workplace first aid kits.
• Share information about kiosk locations and how to recognize an overdose.

Visit our website, mesacounty.us/health, for an entire list of kiosk locations.

Western Colorado Area Health Education Center offers free overdose-response training. Email Lyndall Young at lyoung@wcahec.org for more information.

Grand Valley Connects, which is a Mesa County Public Health program, can help individuals find treatment and recovery services. Connect with the team at grandvalleyconnects.com or call 970-683-2663.

When we reduce harm and increase access to lifesaving care, we create the conditions for Mesa County to grow stronger, not just in health, but in opportunity.