People in Lakes Entrance now have 24-hour access to naloxone, a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and save lives.
A new naloxone dispensing unit has been installed at Gippsland Lakes Complete Health’s Jemmeson Street site, as part of a Victorian Government initiative to improve access to the life-saving medication.
The Lakes Entrance site is one of 20 being rolled out across Victoria.
Overdose deaths continue to rise, with regional communities accounting for around one in four overdose deaths in Victoria.
In East Gippsland, 38 people died from overdose between 2015 and 2024. In 2024 alone, seven people died — the highest number recorded in a single year for the region.
GLCH executive manager Kathy Dickinson said the dispensing unit complemented existing services, like the Needle and Syringe Program and free Alcohol and Other Drug counselling available at GLCH.
“I think sometimes people look at East Gippsland and see how fortunate we are — the lifestyle, the natural beauty — and that’s absolutely true. But alongside that, there are some really complex health and social challenges playing out in our community. Overdose is one of them,” she said.
“Making naloxone available around the clock means people can access this life-saving medication whenever it is needed.”
Kathy said naloxone nasal spray is safe, easy to use and can be administered by anyone.
“Increasing access means there’s a greater chance that someone nearby can respond quickly while waiting for emergency services.”
“This builds the broader work already happening across GLCH, from needle and syringe programs that are clearly being used and accessed every day, through to counselling, withdrawal support and outreach services.”
Naloxone works by blocking opioids from attaching to receptors in the brain. Opioids include drugs such as heroin as well as prescription medications like morphine, fentanyl, methadone and oxycodone.
Naloxone will not harm someone if opioids are not involved, making it safe to administer when an opioid overdose is suspected.
Kathy says the unit is positioned in a discrete location, so people can access the life-saving intervention without judgement or stigma.
“This just allows people to get naloxone our-of-hours and have some privacy around access. People can keep naloxone handy, just-in-case – it has a three-year shelf life – so pop it in your first-aid kit, handbag or in your car.
“We want to focus on harm minimisation, and support people wherever they are in their journey. We are here to help.”
The new dispensing unit increases access to Naloxone in East Gippsland, as it is also available for free through the Take Home Naloxone Program at eight pharmacies including in Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale, Bruthen, Paynesville and Metung.
