Narcan in Libraries

Background

On August 1, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed into law Public Act 104-0056. This act amends the Local Library Act to require that all “libraries open to the public” must maintain a supply of opioid antagonists for use in assisting individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. The Act will become effective on January 1, 2026.

"Opioid antagonist" means a drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration or recommended for use by the World Health Organization that, when administered, negates or neutralizes in whole or in part the pharmacological effects of an opioid in the body.

Memo

Julie Tappendorf from Ancel Glink authored a recent memo that addresses frequently asked questions regarding Public Act 104-0056.

Memo From Ancel Glink (PDF)

Narcan

The providers listed on the IDHS: Illinois Overdose Prevention Programs: Contact Information page are funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (IDHS-DBHR) to offer Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) services throughout the entire state of Illinois. As registered participants in the IDHS-DBHR Drug Overdose Prevention Program, they are authorized to provide overdose response training and distribute NARCAN®, which is a form of naloxone/opioid antagonist that can reverse overdoses.

Live4Lali, an Illinois-based nonprofit, is happy to provide Narcan to any library in Illinois. They will deliver to any library in Cook, Lake, DuPage or McHenry County, and will ship it to any library outside of those counties. For more information, visit https://live4lali.org/

Events

RAILS Member Update
Recorded event
This event will feature an overview of the act by Ancel Glink attorney Julie Tappendorf, and we will be joined by Maggie Clemons, Chicago Public Library Deputy Commissioner of Library Operations and Patron Experience, who will share how CPL has partnered with the Chicago Department of Public Health since their Narcan Distribution Program rolled out in  2021. This event is open to any level of staff from any RAILS library.

Training

Narcan Train the Trainer for Libraries
Recorded webinar
This free event was offered by the DuPage County Health Department. This event was recorded.

Narcan Administration: Spotting the Signs and Responding with Confidence
Recorded webinar, requires login with your L2 username and password
In this workshop, Live4Lali will provide training to help you recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and confidently administer Narcan (naloxone) to reverse it. Participants will leave with practical, lifesaving skills they can use immediately in an emergency.

Naloxone for Suspected Opioid Overdose
Online course
A free, 30-minute course from the National Safety Council. This course is designed to prepare you to use naloxone for a suspected opioid overdose in the workplace. It includes discussion of impacts of opioid overdoses in the workplace, signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, how to administer naloxone in the case of a suspected opioid overdose, including an introduction to hands only CPR, and how to incorporate naloxone into your workplace safety plan, including storage, workplace policies, and legal considerations.

Resources

Suggested resources for libraries in Illinois based on location:

  • DuPage County libraries - Follow the steps on the HOPE DuPage website to enroll in the DuPage Narcan Program. After completing the Participation Agreement, you’ll be able to request an initial supply and DNP staff will follow up with you.
  • Suburban Cook County libraries - You can coordinate with Cook County Department of Public Health by filling out the form on their website and/or reaching out to Denise Holman (denise.holman@cookcountyhealth.org).
  • All other counties - You can find your nearest Narcan distribution site using the Illinois Overdose Prevention Providers link above and finding your county on the right column.