Denver’s health department has run completely out of the overdose recovery drug commonly referred to as Narcan, after demand for free kits mysteriously skyrocketed in mid-February.
What prompted the sudden rush that’s depleted all their supplies?
Spokeswoman Courtney Meihls gave a very vague answer to Rocky Mountain PBS when she confirmed the agency suddenly had 4,500 requests to fill but had to order 4,000 more kits to meet the recent demand.
Meihls said the free naloxone distribution program started in September 2021 but was more publicized in mid-February of this year, including by DDPHE.
“So the increase, while amazing because of the number of people who want to help their neighbors, is quite dramatic and depleted our supply in-house,” Meihls said.
Turns out the free kits were “more publicized” thanks to a 9News report and social media plea by the station’s progressive potentate and master of the virtue signal, Kyle Clark.
I’ve decided to carry Narcan. I’d ask you to consider it, too. pic.twitter.com/pCU8PgrjuN
— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) February 22, 2022
How was Clark to know there’s a limited supply and “individuals and organizations are struggling to obtain drugs like naloxone while the state’s opioid overdose crisis worsens,” Rocky Mountain PBS reported in November because the shortage was so newsworthy?
Denver’s health department says distribution issues and high demand mean few people will actually get one of the kits, and they don’t know when they will be shipped more supplies.
If you didn’t cringe just a little while watching Clark’s video or reading these tweets, you might need to check your privilege.
Free kits paid for by taxpayers are meant to go to the underprivileged, low income, and are at risk of over-dosing, or have someone close to them at risk of overdosing.
Those “free” kits aren’t meant to ease liberal guilt and shoved into a glovebox of someone who easily makes six figures.
These kits aren’t for the nervous and uppity Park Hill residents who watch Clark to have on hand just in case they come across a junky on their morning walk to the park.
And now there’s no supply at the Denver health department for those truly in need.
But hey, Clark feels really good about himself and that’s what really matters to him.