A vape shop in Billings, Montana aims to save lives by having its employees trained to administer Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal drug. The move comes as fentanyl overdoses surge locally and nationwide.
Store Sees Firsthand Effects of Fentanyl Crisis
B-Town Vapes & Glass remains open until midnight in downtown Billings. In recent times, the store has witnessed numerous individuals overdosing on fentanyl just outside or in their cars.
Store owner Nicholas Tietz, formerly a paramedic, recognized the overdose signs – purple, gray or blue skin tones, lack of breathing. He knew his staff were serving as first responders, performing CPR and calling 911.
Seeing the traumatic effects on his employees, Tietz sought free Narcan kits from health officials to better equip his team to respond.
Narcan Reverses Opioid Overdose Effects
Narcan (naloxone) acts rapidly to reverse overdoses from opioids including fentanyl and prescription painkillers. By blocking opioid receptors, it can restore breathing and save lives if administered promptly.
B-Town contacted local health department RiverStone to urgently train staff on Narcan nasal spray administration. “You just push it, and it sprays Narcan into the nasal passage to get absorbed into the brain,” explained RiverStone’s Erica Jarussi.
Jarussi notes that Narcan has no negative side effects if mistakenly given to someone not experiencing overdose. Additional doses may be required, but Narcan provides a vital emergency treatment option before paramedics arrive.
Fentanyl Drives Surge in Overdoses
Fatal fentanyl overdoses nationwide topped 70,000 in 2021 as the highly potent synthetic opioid infiltrated illicit drug supplies. Even small amounts can be lethal.
Locally, Montana recorded 77 fentanyl deaths in 2021, with 48 more this year so far. The crisis impacts communities across socioeconomic lines.
Because individuals often fear calling 911, the true overdose rate is estimated at nearly four times reported cases. This makes wider Narcan availability critically important.
Vape Shop Offers Narcan Without Judgement
By keeping Narcan doses on hand, B-Town Vapes aims to make the lifesaving medication easily accessible without stigma or judgement.
“If anyone comes in and asks about it, it’s theirs for the taking,” said district manager Tori Chandler. “No questions asked. Judgement-free zone.”
The effort demonstrates corporate social responsibility while also keeping employees and customers safer. Store staff feel empowered helping curb preventable deaths.
Access to Narcan Remains Key Fentanyl Strategy
While tackling illicit fentanyl trafficking is crucial, health experts stress expanding overdose reversal capability through Narcan access nationally.
B-Town Vapes sets an example for other businesses to consider stocking Narcan for community protection. Wider availability of this proven overdose antidote promises to save lives as the fentanyl crisis escalates.
- Teen Zyn Use Soars as Vaping Declines Slightly: Study - May 2, 2025
- Uzbekistan Senate Approves Ban on E-cigarette Import and Sale - April 30, 2025
- Louisiana Lawmakers Propose Higher Vape Taxes - April 25, 2025