The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has updated its standing order to allow public libraries to stock opioid overdose reversal agents, such as naloxone and nalmefene, and to let trained staff administer them during suspected overdoses. This change helps libraries comply with new requirements under the Illinois Local Library Act, effective January 1.
Signed by IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, the order builds on previous measures allowing schools to keep reversal agents on hand. Libraries can now obtain these medications without a prescription, and trained staff are permitted to administer them as needed.
IDPH and the Illinois Library Association praised the move as a vital step in expanding access to lifesaving interventions and supporting harm reduction efforts statewide. Libraries governed by the Local Library Act must now maintain a supply of opioid antagonists and ensure staff are trained to recognize overdoses, administer medication, and contact emergency services.
For more details, visit the Illinois Opioid Overdose Reversal Agents Standardized Procedure page on the IDPH website.