DOC Probation and Parole Offices install 'Nalox-Zone Boxes' in response to opioid epidemic

​(MADISON, Wis.) - Several Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) Probation and Parole units recently installed Nalox-Zone Boxes in their offices, the agency's latest step to help combat a growing opioid epidemic among clients on supervision.

A Nalox-Zone Box is a rescue kit designed to help prevent death from an opioid overdose. It resembles the AED devices often found in public buildings, except it contains naloxone. Naloxone, which may be better known by one of its brand names, Narcan, is a medicine designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Each box contains two doses of Narcan, a rescue breathing apparatus to be used for CPR, a community resource card and instructions for how to reverse a suspected opioid overdose.

"Opioid use and overdoses are a major concern in Wisconsin communities and among people on DOC supervision," noted Wisconsin DOC Division of Community Corrections (DCC) Assistant Administrator Dr. Autumn Lacy. "We're looking for ways to try and address this epidemic through our policies, procedures and various initiatives."

DCC's Harm Reduction Workgroup recommended to pilot the use of these boxes after learning that Nalox-Zone Boxes were being used as a harm reduction strategy by various states, as well as other public and private agencies throughout Wisconsin. DOC is partnering with Wisconsin Voices for Recovery, a group based in Madison that purchased the boxes, will maintain them and provide the Narcan. Boxes have been placed in several DCC offices throughout the state, with more scheduled for installation in the near future.

"Access to naloxone and related products by our clients is one opportunity to reduce opioid harm," Dr. Lacy said. "We're using our DCC waiting rooms for product accessibility because they are high-traffic areas. The boxes were installed in the entry way in an effort to support anonymity and focus on the lifesaving impact that administering naloxone can have on clients the department is serving."

Wisconsin Voices for Recovery is working to place Nalox-Zone Boxes in other spaces in Wisconsin communities, not just DCC offices. In Fiscal Year 2021, DOC had 964 reported overdoses among clients on supervision, with 154 resulting in death DOC recently created an overdose death review team to identify gaps in resources, and to recommend policy and practice changes to address these gaps. In addition, some DCC probation and parole agents have started providing naloxone to clients that are at risk of an opioid overdose. DCC is aware that this initiative has helped save lives of those on supervision. Along with the naloxone initiatives, DOC supports the funding of all three FDA approved medication assisted treatment options throughout the state.

Division of Community Corrections (DCC) staff with the newest "Nalox-Zone Box" that was recently installed at the E. Johnson St. Office in Madison. The box was installed in the entry way in effort to support anonymit and focus on the lifesaving impact that adminstering naloxone can have on the clients Wisconsin DOC serves.