Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:
A critical shortage of Narcan kits, which police officers use to reverse opioid overdoses, has raised concerns in Lake County, according to the local health department. However, a timely intervention from a foundation and a fire protection district helped prevent a potential crisis.
The newly purchased kits are a more user-friendly nasal spray version that was fast-tracked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This innovation makes them easier to use, especially in high-pressure emergency situations.
"We were really in a tough spot if it hadn’t been for the Filler Foundation and the Warren-Waukegan Fire Protection District," said Susan McKnight, who coordinates the county’s substance-abuse program. "Their support made all the difference."
Phillip DeRuntz, a trustee with the fire district, shared how he first learned about the shortage during a recent meeting of the Lake County Opioid Initiative. At that time, the health department had only 50 kits left. Then Susan Guggenheim from the Filler Foundation announced a matching grant program that would cover up to $25,000 in costs for additional kits.
McKnight explained that the new kits, provided by Adapt Pharmaceutical, contain two doses per unit and don’t require assembly like some older models. They can also be administered through just one nostril, unlike other versions that need half a dose in each nostril.
For the past two years, the health department had been able to distribute 3,000 kits annually to the 2,000 law enforcement officers in Lake County through the Virginia-based company Kaleo. But this year, due to a shortage, they could only provide 1,000 injectable kits instead.
Susan Guggenheim, who represents the Filler Foundation, shared the story behind the foundation’s creation. It was founded by Mark and Julie Filler, who lost their 23-year-old son after he became addicted to opioids following a sports injury. He was revived once at home by paramedics and sent to rehab, but tragically died of an overdose shortly after returning home.
"This was an area where we could make an immediate impact and save lives," Guggenheim said. The foundation donated $40,000 upfront and launched a matching grant challenge of up to $25,000. They matched the fire district’s $3,750 contribution and have since received additional donations, including $1,000 from Compass Health of Northbrook and $1,800 from the Vernon Hills Police Department.
In addition, the foundation now offers a text-line donation option, allowing individuals to contribute any amount by texting "Hero23" to 41444.
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