Save a Life Station / Photo generated by A.I. with station photo provided by Jim Barrett
The familiar green boxes that once dotted Minneapolis streets, delivering daily news, are undergoing a transformation. In a fight against the opioid crisis, we are repurposing Star Tribune news boxes into Save a Life Stations.
Since August 2023, Andrew Kamin-Lyndgaard and I have been on a mission to bridge the gap in readily available overdose prevention resources. We knew that the current approach wasn’t enough, so we sought an innovative solution.
We transformed the boxes into life-saving stations, stocked with Naloxone and Fentanyl testing strips. Strategically placed in public spaces and other high-traffic areas, they offer a critical lifeline in communities affected by the opioid crisis.
In 2021, the CDC reported that bystanders were present in 46 percent of fatal opioid overdoses. It’s disheartening to note that if these individuals had been equipped with Naloxone and knew how to use it, lives could have been saved.
It’s essential to emphasize that 70% of overdose deaths occur within private residences, not on the streets. Just as fire extinguishers and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) machines are readily accessible for emergencies, we believe that Naloxone should be equally available to the public.
But Save a Life Stations are about more than just immediate intervention. They’re about breaking down stigma. By making these resources easily accessible, we aim to normalize conversations about addiction and empower communities to take action. The stigma surrounding addiction is a powerful roadblock to recovery, and we’re determined to dismantle it one Naloxone kit at a time.
We’ve already seen the positive impact firsthand. Pilot programs at East Side Neighborhood Services and the Jordan Area Community Council have been met with overwhelming support. People understand the need, they see the hope, and they want to be part of the solution.
This is a grassroots effort. We are just two guys trying to change a bad situation; we’ve put our own time and resources into this project. We believe that everyone can make a difference in this fight.
We’re seeking partners to host Save a Life Stations at their locations. Whether you’re a bar, restaurant, library, gym or community center, every station placed is a potential life saved. Join us in creating a network of Save a Life Stations. Together, let’s turn tragedy into hope.
Contact us at jim4hueman[@]gmail.com to learn more about becoming a host location.
Jim Barrett of Save a Life Stations. More info.
