Illinois' 'Good Samaritan' law (the Emergency Medical Services Access Law) provides immunity from prosecution for certain drug possession offenses for both the person experiencing an overdose and the person calling for emergency medical help, and separate legislation (the Illinois Drug Overdose Prevention Program Law) provides civil and criminal immunity for non-medical professionals, including bystanders, family, and friends, who administer naloxone (Narcan) in good faith.
To help decrease possible incidents of overdose-related deaths, McDonough District Hospital's Community Pharmacy offers free Narcan in its lobby, while MDH's Emergency Room entrance, which is open 24/7, has Narcan available at no cost. Community Pharmacy Supervisor Shane Miller said anyone can walk in, take what they need from the Narcan distribution box and walk out, no questions asked.
MDH partners with the McDonough County Health Department on the free Narcan initiative. The health department also offers free Narcan to the general public during the clinic's regular business hours.
A new law going into effect Jan. 1 also requires public libraries to stock opioid antagonists like Narcan and have trained personnel available to administer if necessary. Macomb and Colchester public libraries have completed the training and have Narcan on hand, which is provided by the county health department.
