EAGLE PASS, Texas – A free Narcan vending machine is now open at the downtown Eagle Pass Fire Station at 590 Quarry St. Local nonprofit SAFE EP launched it Friday, Oct. 23.

SAFE EP Executive Director and City Councilman Elias Diaz spoke at the launch, along with Mayor Aaron Valdez. Maverick County Hospital District CEO Nestor Bonilla, hospital district trustee Stephany Valdez, Councilwoman Jessica Rey Ramon and Assistant City Manager Ivan Morua were also there. So were police and fire officials and a number of residents.

Organizers said the goal is simple. They want people ready to help someone who is overdosing before an ambulance gets there.

What Narcan does

Narcan is a brand-name nasal spray that contains naloxone. The medicine temporarily reverses the effects of opioids and can restore breathing that has slowed or stopped during an overdose.

It works on opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and methadone. When drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine are laced with fentanyl, naloxone can reverse the opioid part of the overdose.

How to respond to an overdose in Eagle Pass

If you think someone is overdosing on opioids, give Narcan if you have it and call 911 right away. More doses may be needed every two to three minutes if the person does not respond or their breathing problems come back. The person still needs medical care even if they wake up.

SAFE EP and Eagle Pass Fire Chief Rodolfo Cardona announced the event together ahead of the launch.