Needham residents can now pick up a free anti-opioid overdose kit without giving their name or speaking to anyone.

For the first time, the town's Public Health Division has placed anonymous Narcan Nasal Spray kits in bathrooms at the Rosemary Recreation Complex and pool, in the Needham Public Library and in 25 local businesses, as first reported by the Needham Observer. Peer recovery coach Angi MacDonnell, who spearheaded the effort this summer, restocks the boxes weekly.

The numbers suggest demand was already there. In July and August, 123 kits were taken from Needham's supply.

Before this summer, anyone who wanted naloxone from the town had to request it in person at the Public Health office on Rosemary Street. MacDonnell said that even though no one was writing names down, the in-person process was an extra step. Residents with lived experience of substance use told the town the same thing during its Public Health Strategic Plan process, emphasizing the importance of anonymous access.

"We want to keep people alive so that they can access all the other resources that are available," MacDonnell told the Needham Observer.

Each kit contains Narcan Nasal Spray, gloves, a breathing mask and instructions. MacDonnell noted that naloxone will not harm someone who is not experiencing an overdose. Residents with a Needham address can also request up to three boxes by mail through the Public Health Division's website.

All 25 businesses approached this summer agreed to host a kit.

The program is funded by opioid settlement money allocated to communities based on the size of their school systems. Those same funds support a recovery coaching program, a recovery community support fund, weekly anonymous dual recovery meetings and a therapeutic art series beginning Monday, Oct. 5.

MacDonnell, who started in her role in 2020, said community attitudes have shifted. Parents now approach her at events asking for kits to give college-age children. Years ago, she said, most people walked past the Narcan table at Harvest Fair saying, "That's not for me."

The division has also applied to the MBTA for permission to attach kits to light posts in Needham's three commuter-rail parking lots, according to the Observer. The idea grew from a study that found many people who overdosed in Boston had traveled from suburban communities. A response from the MBTA is expected in October.

Needham's Public Health Division is at 178 Rosemary St. and is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MacDonnell can be reached at [email protected] or 781-708-1752. Residents using substances alone can call the SafeSpot hotline anonymously at safe-spot.me; an operator will stay on the line and contact 911 if the caller becomes unresponsive.