February 2026 Director’s Newsletter

The San Mateo County Overdose Prevention Coalition has launched the Naloxone Stand Box (NSB) program, offering a newspaper box sized unit to local organizations for free public distribution of naloxone. The NSBs hold up to 74 boxes of naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within 2-3 minutes.  

[image:23942, Image right]The Naloxone Stand Box Program is now accepting applications from local organizations who are able to securely house and restock a NSB in a public area available for self-service, at no cost to them.

A nasal spray, naloxone is safe to use and easy to deploy, making it possible for anyone – family, friends, bystanders – to provide lifesaving aid. While first responders carry naloxone, the medication can be administered even before calling 911, as seconds count if someone is experiencing an overdose. Instructions for administering naloxone are posted on the NSB. 

In December, the Coalition celebrated the installment of their first NSB at local youth wellness center Allcove San Mateo. Allcove, which provides a safe place for young people ages 12-25 to gather while receiving behavioral health support and education, is committed to expanding naloxone access and overdose prevention resources for local youth. In San Mateo County in 2024, there were 54 opioid-related overdose deaths and 121 opioid-related emergency department visits; 13 of those visits were among 20–24-year-olds. 

The Overdose Prevention Coalition is organized by San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS). Partnering with local organizations, first responders and transportation authorities, the Coalition envisions a San Mateo County free from overdose. The community collaborative works towards reducing drug overdoses through education and outreach, access to services, and youth and policy advocacy.  

“Beyond expanding access to life-saving medication, the Coalition is an important and necessary step in reducing the stigma associated with substance-use disorders and overdose through education, training and engagement with youth, schools, unhoused and other at-risk populations,” said Chair of the Coalition and BHRS Senior Community Health Planner Dr. Ronni Brown. The Coalition is part of the California Overdose Prevention Network, a network of Coalitions across the state working at the forefront of the overdose epidemic.  

In addition to the NSB program, the Overdose Prevention Coalition is working to install naloxone vending machines, similar to the one in Maguire Correctional Facility, in eight mental health clinics throughout the county.  

 On January 9, the Coalition supported SamTrans with handing out free naloxone at the Sequoia SamTrans station. Local organizations including Voices of Recovery and the H.O.P.E. Foundation were also present and collectively distributed more than 72 boxes of naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and overdose prevention education to riders and pedestrians at the station. 

The Coalition provided naloxone to surveyors for distribution during the One Day Homeless Count. 

The Coalition meets with general members quarterly. To join the coalition, become involved, and take action to reduce overdoses in San Mateo County complete an online interest form.