April 23, 2025 – Monterey County Sheriff's Office officials report that the Monterey County Jail is the first location in the County of Monterey to unveil an easy-to-use vending machine, which provides free, 24/7 access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips, along with step-by-step instructions in both English and Spanish to ensure anyone can take action in an emergency. Naloxone/Narcan is a safe and effective medication that can reverse an opioid overdose within minutes. The machines are stocked with 250 units of each item.

To mark the launch, the County of Monterey Health Department will host a ribbon-cutting event on Thursday, May 1 at 1:00 P.M. at the MST Salinas Transit Center (110 Salinas St). 

• NOW AVAILABLE FOR USE - Monterey County Jail, 1410 Natividad, Salinas
• New Behavioral Health Access Outpatient Clinic, 30 Pearl Street, Salinas 
• MST Salinas Transit Center, 110 Salinas Street, Salinas 
• MST Marina Transit Center, 280 Reservation Road, Marina 

In the event of an overdose emergency, you can call 9-1-1 or locate nearby law enforcement personnel as an alternate option to these locations. County of Monterey, in partnership with Decoded, is also developing a youth-focused communications campaign to prevent opioid misuse before it starts and provide support for young people who are already struggling with substance use. 

Sheriff Nieto reflects on the importance of advocating for addiction prevention among our youth: 

“The most tragic losses are our kids. We are hoping this saves lives [as...] opioids kill thousands of people every year in the United States. We are still in crises when it comes to these kinds of drugs. It’s the opioid crisis. The addiction of that drug has led to the fentanyl crisis..., so our children, our neighbors, our friends are getting counterfeit stuff. One pill can kill. Parents, please pay attention. For the community out there, please take advantage of this free kiosk where you can either get the test strips or can carry the Narcan... It affects every community.” 

Para ver los comunicados de prensa completos en español, visite: https://mcso.countyofmonterey.gov/press-releases.

Source & photos: Monterey County Sheriff's Office