To learn more about this initiative, click HERE or on the arrow in the image above.

It’s not your typical vending machine. There are no chips, sodas or snacks inside. No dollar bills, loose change or debit cards are needed to access the items. Instead, there’s a free nasal spray dispensed that can reverse opioid overdose and potentially save someone’s life.

The vending machines are part of the ongoing effort by the Broward Sheriff’s Office to reduce the number of opioid deaths in Broward County. BSO recently installed the vending machines in the public waiting areas at each of its jail facilities and in its Department of Detention and Community Programs storefront in Lauderdale Lakes. The initiative was paid for through a grant with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Florida Department of Health also assisted in the effort. 

Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is an emergency nasal spray that quickly counteracts the effects of an overdose including those caused by heroin, fentanyl or prescription opioids. Inside each vending machine are dozens of doses of the spray, and they are cost-free. There is also important messaging on the machines to explain how to use the spray (please see the photo on the right above). 

“The goal of this new initiative is to save lives, plain and simple,” Broward Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony said. “By providing access to this medication I hope that individuals leaving our jails who are struggling with addiction are equipped with a vital tool to possibly save their life or the life of a loved one. BSO will continue to create and invest in innovative ways to safeguard and protect this community.”

Statewide, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Medical Examiner’s Commission, the number of fentanyl deaths decreased over the six-month period from January-June 2022 to January-June 2023. David Scharf, Executive Director of BSO’s Department of Community Programs, said Broward County has also seen a decrease in opioid deaths over the same time frame. 

“The Broward Sheriff’s Office, along with its community partners, takes the opioid crisis seriously and has worked relentlessly over the past several years to assess and address the problem with new programs and initiatives,” said Scharf. “The number of overdose deaths is dropping in Broward County, and we hope that this new program will reduce them even further.”

BSO has taken the initiative to confront the opioid epidemic in several ways, including introducing the Recovery Residence Walkaway Intervention Program which is being utilized in several BSO jurisdictions. BSO also provides its deputies with Narcan, and Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue personnel are also equipped with the spray and other deployment methods. 

Additionally, BSO coordinates a federal grant that facilitates the availability of Naloxone to law enforcement agencies in Broward County.

If you believe someone is overdosing, follow these steps: 

• Immediately dial 911.
• If naloxone is available, use it.
• Attempt to keep the individual awake and breathing.
• To avoid choking, place the person on their side.
• Stay with the individual until first responders arrive. 

While the naloxone machines at the Broward jail facilities are available to the public, members of the public seeking access to naloxone are encouraged to visit the two Florida Department of Health locations listed below that also dispense the medication: 

• Fort Lauderdale Health Center Pharmacy, 2421 SW Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale 33315
• Paul Hughes Health Center Pharmacy, 205 NW Sixth Ave., Pompano Beach