Yesterday Insomniac announced that it would be allowing sealed, intranasal Narcan kits at its events, and launched a campaign to raise awareness around the drug epidemic. Together with ‘End Overdose,’ it will also provide their headliners with educational resources and supplies.
With fentanyl being found increasingly often in recreational drugs, it’s not uncommon to see cases of festival-goers accidentally overdosing on it, sometimes with fatal consequences. While there are usually volunteers from harm reduction organizations present at festivals, event organizers are occasionally unprepared to deal with accidental overdoses. If they have medical staff on-site, it can take precious time for personnel to navigate the crowds and reach the victim.
Many event companies also prohibit attendees from bringing Naloxone (Narcan) to their events, sometimes citing safety issues around non-medically trained people administering the life-saving medication. It sounds like Insomniac is looking to provide a safer environment for festival-goers who choose to indulge in their substance of choice.
“Beginning at Escape Halloween this weekend, End Overdose will have a presence at all upcoming Insomniac Festivals - and I hope you will take some time to visit them. They will distribute supplies on-site and can help answer any questions you might have.
We’re very excited to announce that sealed Intranasal versions of Naloxone aka Narcan are permitted at all Insomniac events,” wrote Pasquale Rotella, CEO of Insomniac.
If you're interested, you can order Narcan for free directly from End Overdose's website; you only need to pay for shipping.