Self-Service

San Diego prisons install machines for naloxone, fentanyl test strips

Image: iStock

January 29, 2024

Visitors to and prisoners exiting San Diego jails will have free access to nalaxone, a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, and fentanyl test strips, according to a kpbs.com report.

The Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego placed the machines in the lobbies of four prison facilities: Las Colinas, George Bailey, Vista and East Mesa.

The machine features a naloxone training video on an interactive touchscreen and prompts users to create an avatar, such as purple cow or a blue aardvark.

It collects non-identifying data such as age, gender and number of visits to enable harm reductionists to target their efforts.

Amy Knox, the coalition's chief operating officer, said the telehealth-capable machine costs $14,000, only $1,500 more than a "standard" machine, as well as a monthly fee of $2,500 for maintenance, service and a three-year replacement.

The cost is less than hiring a part-time worker, Knox said.