Kane County to replenish local police supply of overdose drug Narcan

With Kane County on its way to a record number of heroin deaths, local police will soon get a refill on their newest tool to prevent those casualties.

Members of the county board's public health committee gave a preliminary OK Wednesday for the purchase of 2,300 additional doses of Narcan. It can reverse opioid drug overdoses in progress if administered in time.

A total of 27 police departments in Kane County, including three local colleges, use the drug. They have trained their officers when to recognize an overdose and administer the drug while waiting for emergency medical help. Local police saved 36 lives in the 20 months they've carried the drug.

Theresa Heaton, director of health promotion for the Kane County Health Department, said it is critical for local police to have a consistent Narcan supply. Coroner Rob Russell said some departments are already out of the drug. The remaining doses on hand will all expire next month.

Russell, who said last week the county has had a record-setting number of heroin deaths so far this year, was an initial advocate for Narcan use by local police. He was happy to hear about the purchase of enough doses to ensure a two-year supply for local police.

“My hope is that we continue to be proactive in avoiding heroin and opioid deaths,” Russell said. “So far, it's already meant 36 fewer autopsies that I have to do.”

Kane County has had 19 heroin deaths since December.

The 2,300 doses cost $60,919 or $26.29 per dose. The money will come from Kane County Sheriff Don Kramer's drug enforcement/education budget.