Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach made two stops in Emporia on Wednesday, highlighting his department’s fight against fentanyl in two ways.
Kobach and his staff were at Emporia State University’s Memorial Union to demonstrate the university’s new naloxone or Narcan dispenser, a repurposed newspaper stand. Kobach says the distribution box is an important component as fentanyl use continues nationwide — but is dipping in Kansas.
People can pick up doses at no cost through the dispenser, which will be refilled when the supply nears zero.
ESU Assistant Vice President of Government Relations and Economic Development Greg Schneider says fentanyl doesn’t appear to be widespread on campus, but it makes sense to have the dispenser on hand in case of accidental drug issues.
Kobach then stopped at the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office with a $10,500 check to help fund the department’s new K-9, Ace. Kobach says the program is designed to fill needs when it comes to fighting crime.
Sheriff Jeff Cope says the donation is significant. Lyon County restarted its K-9 unit late last year after it lay dormant for several years. Cope says Ace is getting acclimated to his dual role of patrol and drug interdiction. The office, meanwhile, has been taking several steps to keep people safe from fentanyl.
Emporia State became the 35th stop among higher education facilities across Kansas since the start of the year to receive a naloxone dispenser. The program now has a waiting list. Kobach’s office is partnering with the non-profit group Emily’s Hope and DCCA for the distribution boxes.
The K-9 donation comes from a past $100 fee from concealed carry permits. The fee was discontinued three years ago, but there was still a substantial amount of funds generated over time. Kobach says it was appropriate to turn the money into funding for Kansas law enforcement agencies. Kobach also says the efforts highlighted Wednesday in Emporia follow increased criminal penalties for fentanyl distribution, the introduction of fentanyl-sniffing K-9s and a public service campaign highlighting the dangers of taking pills from anybody other than doctors or pharmacists.
Click here for information about the naloxone distribution program.
Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including video from both stops Wednesday.
