Free Narcan Is Now at Every Dakota County Library. Here's Where to Get It.
TLDR
All 10 Dakota County libraries now hand out free naloxone kits, also called Narcan
No ID, no insurance, no questions
The Galaxie Library in Apple Valley and the Western Service Center both offer it
Narcan reverses an opioid overdose
County libraries handed out more than 1,200 kits in the program's first year
If you live in Apple Valley, you can walk into the Galaxie Library and pick up free Narcan. No ID. No insurance. No questions asked.
That was one of the things Dakota County laid out during public comment at the July 9 Apple Valley City Council meeting, and it's worth knowing about whether or not you think you'll ever need it.
What's Actually Available
Every one of Dakota County's 10 libraries now works as a community health hub. Part of that means free naloxone kits, the medication sold as Narcan that can reverse an opioid overdose.
You don't need to show ID or hand over insurance information. You just pick one up. The Galaxie Library in Apple Valley is one location. The Western Service Center, also in Apple Valley, offers kits too.
The county's opioid overdose prevention coordinator told the council that Dakota County also runs free naloxone trainings and education sessions on how to recognize and respond to an overdose.
Why Libraries
Free Narcan used to only be available at a couple of county service centers, which aren't spread evenly across the county. Libraries are.
In the program's first year, Dakota County libraries handed out more than 1,200 naloxone kits. The idea is simple: put it where people already go.
The county framed it as something worth grabbing before you ever need it, whether that's for your home, a family member, or a kid heading off to college.
The Bottom Line
You don't have to wait for an emergency to get Narcan, and you don't have to explain why you want it. It's free, it's local, and it's at the library you probably already visit.
For hours, locations, and training info, check with Dakota County Public Health.
FAQ
Where in Apple Valley can I get free Narcan? The Galaxie Library and the Western Service Center both offer free naloxone kits.
Do I need ID or insurance? No. You can pick up a kit with no ID, no insurance, and no questions.
What does Narcan actually do? It can reverse an opioid overdose. It's a nasal spray that's designed to be used by anyone, not just medical staff.
Is it really at all the libraries? Yes. All 10 Dakota County libraries now serve as community health hubs and provide free naloxone kits.
