Health
Chicago Launches Narcan Newsstands in Uptown to Distribute Opioid Overdose Reversal Medication
Ald. Angela Clay (46th Ward) unveils a Narcan newsstand in Uptown on July 30, 2025. (Courtesy of Chicago Department of Public Health)
Repurposed newsstands containing free doses of Narcan have officially launched in Uptown with the aim of increasing access to the life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, city officials announced Wednesday.
The Narcan newsstands, which were launched during a harm reduction event in Uptown on Wednesday, will be located at the following four locations in the neighborhood:
- Nourishing Hope, 3945 N. Sheridan Road
- Cornerstone Community Shelter, 4628 N. Clifton Ave.
- Institute of Cultural Affairs, 4750 N. Sheridan Road
- Department of Family and Supportive Services, 845 W. Wilson Ave.
The Narcan newsstands were launched by the Chicago Department of Public Health in collaboration with 46th Ward Ald. Angela Clay’s office. In the past several weeks since the newsstands began being rolled out, more than 300 Narcan containers have been distributed, according to Clay.
“Harm reduction is a public health priority and these tiny but mighty newsstands are equipping our community with life-saving resources,” Clay said in a statement.
Ald. Angela Clay (46th Ward) and a staffer unveil a Narcan newsstand in Uptown on July 30, 2025. (Courtesy of Chicago Department of Public Health)
Opioid-related responses in Chicago increased from fewer than 3,000 annually in 2015 to more than 13,000 in 2020, according to CDPH. The city saw a 20% decrease in those EMS responses from 2023 to 2024, according to the department. The city is also seeing a 24% decrease in opioid-related EMS responses in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year, the department added.
Two years ago, the organization Edna’s Circle on the West Side was also able to put up Narcan newsstands on Pulaski Road in West Garfield Park with support from city and state partners, Dr. Thomas Huggett with the Lawndale Christian Health Center said during a Wednesday news conference.
Narcan can also be found for free at Chicago Public Library branches, five CDPH vending machine locations and select ward offices, according to CDPH’s website.
Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]
