Naloxone kiosk program expands amid early success and community support

Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) has expanded its naloxone kiosk program with the addition of three new locations—at the Mesa County Libraries in Orchard Mesa, Palisade, and Collbran. There are now 12 kiosks strategically placed across Mesa County. This milestone reflects strong community support and the growing impact of this life-saving initiative.

“Mesa County residents have responded positively to this new program, using the kiosks to access free naloxone to help save lives. Early usage data and feedback show that the kiosks are meeting a critical need—offering timely, anonymous access to a medicine that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose,” said Chhavi Attri, MCPH Community Health Planner.

Since the program launched in December of 2024, more than 3,000 boxes of naloxone have been distributed. Each kiosk includes free naloxone and instructions in English and Spanish on how to use it in the event of an overdose. The kiosks are located in areas where they can have the greatest impact, making it easier for individuals, families, and community members to respond to emergencies and potentially save lives.

“We’ve been encouraged by the community’s response and are proud to expand this program,” said Attri. “By strategically placing naloxone kiosks across Mesa County, we’re advancing harm reduction efforts- helping save lives and creating more opportunities for recovery.”

Kiosk locations in Mesa County

• Colorado Health Network at 1001 Wellington Ave. in Grand Junction
• Colorado Mesa University, University Center at 1455 N 12th St. in Grand Junction
• Mesa County Criminal Justice Services, Treatment Center at 436 S. 7th St. in Grand Junction
• Mesa County Libraries, Clifton Branch at 3270 D 1/2 Road, Building A in Clifton
• Mesa County Libraries, Collbran Branch at 111 Main St. in Collbran
• Mesa County Libraries, Orchard Mesa Branch at 230 E Lynwood St. in Grand Junction
• Mesa County Libraries, Palisade Branch at 119 W 3rd St. in Palisade
• Mesa County Public Health Clinic at 510 29 1/2 Rd. in Grand Junction
• Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Detention Lobby at 215 Rice St. in Grand Junction
• Western Colorado Area Health Education Center at 2938 B North Ave. in Grand Junction
• Lifespan Psychiatry of Colorado at 2140 N 12th St. in Grand Junction
• HomewardBound of the Grand Valley- North Avenue Shelter at 2853 North Ave. in Grand Junction

Signs of an opioid overdose

• Unconsciousness or unable to wake up
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Difficulty breathing such as choking sounds or a gurgling and snoring noise from a person who cannot be woken up
• Discolored skin, especially the nails or lips
• Small, constricted pinpoint pupils that don't react to light
• Vomiting
• Inability to speak
• Faint heartbeat
• Limp arms and legs 
• Pale skin

What to do if someone is overdosing

• Evaluate the person for signs of an opioid overdose.
• ​​Administer naloxone and then call 911.
• Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
• Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
• Stay with the person until emergency help arrives.

Additional resources

Visit our website for information about substance use prevention and treatment resources in Mesa County. You can also contact Grand Valley Connects if you need help finding resources in the community. Visit the Grand Valley Connects website or call 970-683-2663. Western Colorado Area Health Education Center (WCAHEC) provides free training on how to recognize an overdose and administer naloxone. Email Lyndall Young at lyoung@wcahec.org for more information.