Guam Behavioral Health says it's clear: fentanyl is here.

A vending machine outside of the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center provides free naloxone, used to reverse an opioid overdose. Since they installed it in March, 383 kits have been used by the community.

“It tells us, number one we're hoping and this I think affirms that our message is becoming clearer and clearer: fentanyl is here,” said Carissa Pangelinan, acting Director of Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center. 

The plan is to have more vending machines across the island, where people might be more comfortable. They said naloxone is available over the counter at some pharmacies.

“Naloxone is not only for fentanyl. It's for all opiates, it's an antagonist for all opiates. And we want to make it clear that just like in the United States, where they're seeing these opiate misuse, Guam is also seeing that. So it's important to come here and, get the supply if you know of people, if you're worried about your family, you know, and, and all your loved ones, please come and get,” Pangelinan said. 

While the kits in the vending machine are free, each box costs the center $60. They have under 200 left. 90% of it is funded by federal grants. But with a nationwide crisis, they say sustainable local funding is needed. 

They’re also focused on training and education around identifying signs of an overdose and how to use naloxone. 

“The main issue with an opioid overdose is that the body isn't getting enough oxygen. So we're going to look at the lips, the fingertips, if they start to look blue, if we listen for their breathing, if there is no breathing, then we're going to assume that an opioid has been consumed and is causing that overdose. So that's when naloxone comes into play. So naloxone is the antagonist. It acts very quickly. It doesn't do any harm if opioids are not in the system. So, we're trying to diminish the fear of people using naloxone,” said Project Path Communications Manager, Kevin Dema-ala. 

The opioid prevention program is in its third year. They hope to prepare for when the next wave of drugs reaches Guam's shores from the States.

“Drugs, you know, when they start off in the mainland, they usually do make their way to our island and it's just only a matter of time, which is why we started our training of trainers. We established this in December. We had this on board since March. So we've been preparing for this and ensuring that the community has the resources like naloxone and the training to be better equipped to respond,” said Audrey Benavente, Project Path Project Director.