Singing River Expands Life-Saving Naloxone Vending Machines to Ocean Springs and Pascagoula Hospitals

Singing River Health System is expanding community access to overdose prevention resources with the installation of naloxone vending machines at Singing River Ocean Springs and Singing River Pascagoula Hospitals. The expansion follows the success of the first naloxone vending machine at Singing River Gulfport, which has dispensed nearly 3,000 doses since its debut in December 2025.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies for each hospital will be held following the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Impact Summit at the Singing River Healthcare Academy from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20th.

Ocean Springs Event Details

• What: Tackle Overdose Now | Naloxone Vending Machine Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
• When: Friday, March 20 at 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Ocean Springs Hospital – Outside ER Entrance – 3109 Bienville Boulevard, Ocean Springs, MS

Pascagoula Event Details

• What: Tackle Overdose Now | Naloxone Vending Machine Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
• When: Friday, March 20 at 3:30 p.m.
• Where: Pascagoula Hospital – Outside ER Entrance – 2809 Denny Avenue, Pascagoula, MS

This initiative, led in partnership with the Reach Impact Institute, Fund Recovery, Mississippi Public Health Institute, and New Vision, reflects Singing River’s unwavering mission to improve health and save lives. By expanding public access to free overdose-reversal medication, the health system is strengthening regional efforts to address the opioid crisis across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“Every life lost to overdose is one too many,” said Laurin St. Pé, CEO of Singing River Health System. “By expanding naloxone vending machines to Ocean Springs and Pascagoula Hospitals, we’re ensuring that life-saving medication is available to anyone in need, 24/7. This initiative is more than a program—it’s a commitment to our community’s safety, health, and hope.”

“Providing free, accessible naloxone is a vital step in addressing the opioid crisis on the Gulf Coast,” said Jan Dawson, Director of Substance Use Education, Prevention and Control at Mississippi Public Health Institute. “By combining medication with education and support, we give community members the tools to recognize overdoses and respond effectively, turning a potentially tragic moment into an opportunity to save a life.”

The vending machine dispenses Padagis Naloxone, which attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and reverses or blocks the effects of opioids. Along with the medication, educational materials are included to help individuals recognize the signs of overdose and respond effectively. Community members can access the vending machine 24/7 at no cost, ensuring that anyone, whether at risk of overdose or in a position to help someone else, can act quickly during emergencies when every second counts. A toll-free number is also provided on each box that links to a dedicated mental health professional in Mississippi that can provide support and guidance during a crisis.

“At Reach Impact Institute, our mission is to help communities build strong networks that rescue, restore, and support individuals impacted by the opioid crisis,” said George Massengill, President of Reach Impact Institute. “Every naloxone vending machine we install represents collaboration with health systems, local partners, and recovery organizations—working together to ensure life-saving medication, education, and compassionate support are always within reach.”

Singing River encourages community members to learn about the signs of overdose and how to respond in an emergency. Expanding access to naloxone is one of several efforts underway to improve health outcomes across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

To learn more about the Reach Impact Institute’s initiative to reduce overdose deaths, visit ReachImpactInstitute.org.