Naloxone dispensers installed at five train stations in Cook County Health and CTA initiative
Cook County Health (CCH) and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) have teamed up to launch a pilot program featuring new vending machines dispensing free naloxone at five CTA rail stations. The initiative, which aims to expand access to lifesaving resources across Cook County, is part of ongoing efforts by CCH to combat overdose deaths.
The pilot program, funded by CCH and supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury under the American Rescue Plan Act, will see naloxone vending machines installed at the 47th Street (Red Line), Wilson (Red/Purple Line), Jefferson Park (Blue Line), Harlem/Lake (Green Line), and Central Park (Pink Line) stations.
Naloxone, an FDA-approved nasal spray, can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen and CCH CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis believe the vending machines have the potential to help save lives and support the health and well-being of those in need of naloxone.
The stations chosen for the installations were based on community input and data that zeroed in on areas with higher opioid-related emergencies. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said the installations aim to meet people where they are and provide lifesaving tools within reach.
The pilot builds on existing efforts by CCH to aid those suffering from substance abuse. The Cook County Office of Behavioral Health, a department of CCH established in 2023, serves as a convener to enhance access to care. CCH has also invested in a pilot with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) to offer a public health machine at the 95th/Dan Ryan terminal, which launched in 2023 and will soon expand to include three additional locations.
In addition to these initiatives, CTA's harm-reduction efforts include a dedicated social service outreach team deployed out on the system each night to offer assistance and resources. The CDPH machine dispenses free health and hygiene products, as well as other harm-reduction supplies.
The partnership between CTA and CCH was formalized through an intergovernmental agreement approved by the Chicago Transit Board in June 2025. CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle were among those involved in the agreement's approval.
Reducing overdose deaths is a key objective of the Regional Behavioral Health Strategic Plan released by the Cook County Office of Behavioral Health in May 2025. The plan outlines a comprehensive approach to addressing substance abuse and mental health issues in Cook County. With the launch of the naloxone vending machine pilot, CCH and CTA are taking a significant step towards achieving this goal.
