DATE: September 26, 2025
SUBJECT: VCSO Narcan Program Gives Inmates a Second Chance at Recovery
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-NR-0926
CONTACT: Sheriff Noah Robinson
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
In September 2023, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) partnered with Evansville Recovery Alliance to provide Narcan to individuals leaving the Jail. Sheriff Noah Robinson says the mission is clear: save lives and create opportunities for recovery.
“Someone who’s being released from the jail will be given an opportunity to take two doses of Narcan along with a digital instruction manual for community assets to help them in recovery,” Sheriff Robinson explained.
Research shows that people recently released from jail are ten times more likely to experience an opioid overdose. Sheriff Robinson added, “Obtaining a dose of Narcan can give someone the chance to live another day, and with that the chance to begin recovery and build a better life.”
From September 20, 2023, through September 9, 2025, 9,613 inmates have been released from the Vanderburgh County Jail, each of whom was offered Narcan before leaving through the front door. So far this year, from January 1 to September 9, 2025, 4,973 inmates have been released, all of whom were also offered Narcan. Roughly 24% (23.99%) of those released since the start of the program have left the jail with Narcan in hand.
Many of our confinement officers carry Narcan while on duty in case of an emergency. Some even choose to carry it off duty so they can be prepared to save a life if the need arises.
This initiative is now continued through a partnership with Overdose Lifeline, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use. Their support and resources play a vital role in sustaining the program and strengthening the fight against the opioid epidemic.
The VCSO is grateful for Overdose Lifeline’s commitment and proud to work alongside them in saving lives and building pathways to recovery. You can learn more about their work at www.overdoselifeline.org.
-END-