Small kit, big impact: How naloxone saved a life
Every day, Fairview works to keep our communities safe—not just inside our hospitals and clinics, but wherever people live, work, play, and gather. One important way our health system does this is by expanding access to free naloxone kits, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save a life.
For Quynh Nguyen, that commitment became personal.
Nguyen, a medical scribe at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center, works in the emergency departments on both the East and West banks. At the West Bank campus, where teams regularly serve people experiencing substance use disorders, Fairview launched a public naloxone access point in 2023—making free naloxone kits available at the lobby information desk to anyone who asks.
Encouraged by a colleague, Nguyen picked up a kit at work to keep with her. Just a few days later, that decision made all the difference.
One evening, as Nguyen returned home, a neighbor called out for help. Their partner had collapsed and was unresponsive. Nguyen quickly recognized the signs of a possible overdose.
She ran to her car, grabbed the naloxone kit , and stepped in to help while 911 was called. Using the naloxone and starting chest compressions, Nguyen stayed with the neighbor until paramedics arrived. By the time emergency responders took over, the person was breathing again and a life was saved.
“I'm just thinking to myself, how grateful I am to have that kit,” Nguyen shared. “I'm seeing far too many young lives being claimed by overdose when literally there's a life-saving kit that can fit in any purse.”
Why access matters
Stories like Nguyen’s are why Fairview continues to invest in naloxone education and access across our system. Naloxone is safe, easy to use, and effective—and having it nearby can mean the difference between life and death.
Since launching the naloxone access point at the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank, Fairview has expanded the program to nine locations across our system, making it easier for patients, visitors, employees, and community members to obtain free kits.
“Our goal is to meet people where they are, reduce stigma around opioid use so people aren’t afraid to get help, and equip communities with tools that save lives,” said Ingrid Johansen, RN, director of community clinical care at Fairview. “Naloxone access is part of Fairview’s broader commitment to harm reduction and addressing the social determinants of health.”
In 2025, Fairview packed 12,735 overdose prevention kits for community distribution and provided 507 individuals opioid overdose prevention training. This work is possible through a partnership between Fairview and the Steve Rummler HOPE Network.
“Anyone can carry naloxone and anyone can learn to use it,” added Johansen. “And as Quynh’s experience shows, being prepared can make a difference.”
Learn more about Fairview’s naloxone access points, when to use naloxone, and where to get a free kit. Because sometimes, the smallest things can have the biggest impact.
Help save lives by registering for free naloxone administration training and volunteering to pack opioid overdose prevention kits for statewide distribution. Register here.
