The Warren County Prevention and Intervention Coalition has installed its second Caring Library in McMinnville, offering free Naloxone and educational resources to the public as part of a growing effort to combat opioid overdoses, Jan. 30.
Located at Arbor Church of the Nazarene, 918 Sparta St., the newly placed Caring Library is a small but critical community resource. The box is stocked with doses of naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered in time. A prominently displayed QR code on the library connects users to an online training video and support services, ensuring that recipients are not only equipped with Narcan but also understand how to use it safely and effectively.
“This initiative is about more than just handing out medication—it’s about making sure our community knows how to save lives,” said Brandon Bouldin, the coalition’s Chairperson. “We want to reduce stigma and increase access to tools that can make a difference in a crisis.”
The Caring Library project is funded by a grant from Healing Appalachia, an organization focused on addressing substance use disorder in Appalachian communities. The grant is enabling the coalition to reach underserved areas in Warren County with life-saving interventions. The coalition also extends special thanks to Chase Away Fentanyl for partnering in this effort to provide and distribute Caring Libraries locally.
In addition to providing free Narcan, the Caring Library serves as a quiet point of contact for individuals or families who may be affected by opioid use but are not ready to speak openly about it. By placing the library in a discreet, publicly accessible location, the coalition hopes to reach those who might otherwise hesitate to ask for help.
The first Caring Library was launched earlier in McMinnville and has seen steady engagement from the community, according to coalition organizers. The long-term goal is to establish several more throughout the county, especially in neighborhoods with limited access to harm reduction services.
“This work is about meeting people where they are, without judgment,” said Trey Surles, the coalition’s treasurer. “If one person survives an overdose because they found Narcan in this library, then it’s worth every effort.”
For those who would like to learn more or get involved, contact us here. If you’d like to support the coalition’s mission financially, donations can be made through our website here. Every contribution helps bring life-saving tools and support closer to those who need them most.