Naloxone, the lifesaving overdose reversal medication, is available for emergency public access through an ongoing collaboration between the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board (ADAMH) of Franklin County, Southeast Healthcare, and the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). ADAMH has been providing NaloxBox overdose rescue kits at three COTA locations, COTA South Terminal, 25 E. Rich Street; COTA Central Office, 33 N. High Street, and COTA Easton Terminal, 4260 Steltzer Road.

COTA is the newest community partner in ADAMH’s NaloxBox project that is increasing access to naloxone in public spaces across Franklin County. To date, 70 NaloxBox kits have been installed across the community, with plans for another 130 by year-end. Each kit contains two doses of naloxone in an easy-to-use nasal spray and instructions on its use. The program is funded by the State Opioid Response Grant made available through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

As a NaloxBox partner, COTA is responsible for providing a safe location for the boxes and calling 911 in the event that one is used. Ongoing maintenance of the boxes and staff training is provided through Southeast Healthcare, one of two ADAMH network providers that support the project.

“COTA believes we have a responsibility not only to provide mobility services to our community but also to participate in positive intervention services in the neighborhoods we serve,” said Keith Leighton, COTA’s Senior Director of Risk Assessment. “We thank ADAMH for its leadership on this project, and we appreciate the crucial support from Southeast Healthcare. It takes community partnerships such as these to ensure we are providing life-saving care in our community.”

On May 22, a COTA operator reported an incident at High Street and Graceland Boulevard, in which an individual had become unresponsive. A COTA Strategic Response Specialist arrived on the scene with naloxone. The individual had stopped breathing but returned to stable condition after the COTA employee administered four doses of naloxone.

All COTA Transportation Services Supervisors and Strategic Response Specialists are trained to administer naloxone. Strategic Response Specialists also carry several doses of naloxone while on duty

“Many individuals in recovery from addiction are here today because they had another chance. Recovery is only possible if someone is still alive to take that step,” said Erika Clark Jones, CEO of ADAMH. “We are grateful for COTA’s partnership, which is already helping save lives by ensuring naloxone is easily available in places where people gather.”

ABOUT COTA

The Central Ohio Transit Authority is the region’s mobility solutions provider, driven each day to connect people to prosperity through innovation, dedication and teamwork. By utilizing technology and data, establishing community partnerships and applying sustainability principles, COTA provides equitable access to jobs, healthcare and education. For information visit www.cota.com.

Contact: Jeff Pullin | Public & Media Relations Manager | (614) 275-5938 | PullinJD@COTA.com

ABOUT ADAMH

The Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) provides a pathway to health and healing for individuals and families in Franklin County seeking resources for addiction and mental health. ADAMH funds accessible and affordable prevention, crisis, treatment, housing, family and recovery services through a network of more than 30 nonprofit agencies located in communities throughout the county. Visit adamhfranklin.org to find Help, Healing, Health and Hope.

Contact: Shelly Hoffman | ADAMH Senior Director, Public Affairs | (614) 571-6826 | shoffman@adamhfranklin.org