An addiction treatment center in Salina says it’s seen a big increase in fentanyl deaths, especially among younger people. But now, it’s hoping to slow down those deaths by providing a free Narcan dispenser that anyone can access, 24/7. “I think it’s important to educate and empower so we can save lives,” said CKF Addiction Treatment Wellness Coordinator Chelsey Eberwein. “There will be boxes of naloxone. There’ll be fentanyl testing strips and hygiene kits, free to any and everyone who would like to come and get one.” It’s an issue extremely close to mentor Valarie Hicks’ heart. “I’m a person in recovery myself. And I was never able to just come in and ask for help,” said Hicks. “Here in Salina, we have a lot of things recently that have been happening where people are being found deceased.” Hicks says the stigma, the shame, and the fear many drug users feel is costing life after life. “A lot of people in these instances just take their friends and leave them somewhere. Out of fear of getting in trouble,” Hicks said. But as of Thursday, Salina now has a new, life-saving option. “Here’s where it’s located. So this door will be locked, this one will be the 24-hour access. You just pull this down. Here’s our naloxone spray. In these bags right here, it’s fentanyl testing strips,” Hicks said, showing us the box located in the west lobby of CKF Addiction Treatment at 617 E Elm in Salina.
Source: KAKE – News
