Libraries Will Now Have an Item On Hand to Respond to an Overdose Emergency

Wednesday, 10 December 2025

The Illinois Department of Public Health says the facilities are now permitted to have medications like naloxone and nalmefene to be used in the event of an opioid overdose.

After undergoing training, library staff will be permitted to administer the medication in the event of an opioid overdose, said the IDPH.

Under the new provisions of the Local Library Act, libraries that are governed by the statute are required to have a supply of opioid reversal agents, said the IDPH.

The order was signed by IDPH Director, Dr. Sameer Vohra, it builds on his previous standing order from January 2024 which allowed schools to maintain a supply of opioid reversal agents.

"Harm reduction is about meeting people where they are at and ensuring equitable access to prevention and lifesaving measures," said Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary, Dulce M. Quintero. "This update expands proven best practices and we at IDHS thank Dr. Vohra and the IDPH team for this next step in strengthening our opioid response system."

Facilities having these medications on hand reduces the time someone experiencing an overdose needs to wait for treatment, said the IDPH.

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