The Carroll Labor Government is making it easier for Victorians to access lifesaving overdose medication for free.
Four more naloxone dispensing machines have now been installed at key locations across Victoria.
This includes Corio Community Health Centre, University Hospital Geelong, Peninsula University Hospital in Frankston, and Wonthaggi Hospital.
A further three are being installed today at cohealth Footscray, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Dandenong Hospital.
It takes the total to 17 across the state, with machines already installed at:
- Ballarat Community Health
- Bendigo Community Health Services
- Gippsland Lakes Complete Health
- Sunraysia Community Health Service
- Latrobe Community Health Service
- Alfred Hospital
- Your Community Health (East Reservoir)
- Primary Care Connect Shepparton
- Sunshine Hospital
- Gateway Health Wangaratta
The remaining three locations in the City of Yarra and City of Melbourne will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The machines operated 24/7, dispensing the free, lifesaving overdose medication at the push of a button.
The spray can be administered by anyone - simply by following the instructions included in the packaging.
The machines are part of Labor $95.1 million Statewide Action Plan to save lives and reduce drug harm.
From today, hospital EDs and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations can also participate in Victoria's Take-Home Naloxone Program.
They join participating Needle and Syringe Programs, Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals and the Victorian Pill Testing Service already providing free naloxone.
Naloxone is a safe, lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from heroin, prescription opioids and synthetic opioids.
Like CPR, EpiPens, or asthma inhalers, naloxone is a first aid tool used in emergencies.
By making it more accessible, more people can respond quickly in an overdose situation, which can save lives.
With synthetic opioids making overdoses less predictable, quick access to naloxone is more important than ever.
Only Labor is investing in the lifesaving care that Victorians need.
Victoria cannot risk a One Nation-Liberal Coalition. Jess Wilson cannot deliver her promised $40 billion in cuts without gutting the life-saving services communities rely on.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"Every overdose death is a tragedy. We're taking action to spare more families and loved ones that pain."
"Free naloxone, available around the clock, means anyone can step in during an overdose and buy precious time until emergency help arrives."
