Mesa County Public Health announced more than 9,500 boxes of naloxone have been distributed via naloxone kiosks, an average of 17 kits accessed every day, since the county launched its overdose-prevention program in December 2024.

The county detailed the community impact of the program in its first Naloxone Kiosk Impact Report.

“It’s exciting to grow this program, especially after hearing from community members who have used this naloxone to save a life. The community support has been tremendous. Our goal is to keep expanding our reach as resources allow,” said Chhavi Attri, community health planner for Mesa County Public Health.

Key highlights from the report include:

• Drug overdose deaths in Mesa County more than tripled since the early 2000s. Nearly 200 residents lost their lives to an overdose between 2020 and 2024, and 82 percent of those fatalities were unintentional.
• The high-visibility kiosks offer free, anonymous access to naloxone with instructions in English and Spanish. The lack of ID checks, intake forms or payment requirements has been widely praised for reducing stigma.
• Beyond saving lives, a national study estimates that every dollar invested in community naloxone-distribution programs yields $2,742 in savings by averting overdose fatalities and avoiding healthcare costs.
• Feedback from kiosk-hosting organizations and residents shows that the program is now an important part of the community’s safety system.

Mesa County Public Health placed naloxone kiosks throughout Mesa County, and it recently added five new locations: Hilltop at Main Street; Colorado Mesa University Tech; the Lighthouse Program; the Grand Valley Transit Clifton transfer facility; and the GVT West transfer facility.

There are now 17 kiosks strategically placed across Mesa County, located in areas where they can have the greatest impact.

“We are grateful to our partners at Western Colorado Area Health Education Center who maintain the kiosks and ensure they are regularly tracked, restocked and maintained,” Attri said. “We couldn’t provide this incredible resource without their support.”

Go online to www.mesacounty.us to view the full 2026 Naloxone Kiosk Impact Report, learn more about substance-use prevention or access treatment resources.

For personalized assistance finding local community resources, contact the Grand Valley Connects team at grandvalleyconnects.com or call 970-683-2663.