LP Empowers Businesses Through Narcan Distribution in Clinton, IL

Monday, December 22nd, 2025

Yesterday, two members of the Lumina Project board, Parker and Evan, visited Clinton, Illinois, a community located thirty minutes south of Bloomington-Normal. Their mission was clear and urgent: to distribute Narcan to local businesses. Along the way, they distributed Narcan to four locations: Town & Country Motel, Clinton Community YMCA, Wye Motel, and the Sunset Inn. Each location received 24 Narcan devices, along with valuable conversations about the medication’s use and importance. This event marks a significant step in the Lumina Project’s ongoing effort to prevent drug overdoses and reduce stigma around addiction. It also highlights how local businesses can play a vital role in emergency response.

Why Narcan Matters in Communities Like Clinton

Narcan is a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses quickly and save lives. Opioid overdoses remain a serious public health issue across the United States, including smaller communities like Clinton. When administered promptly, Narcan can restore normal breathing in someone who has overdosed, buying critical time for emergency medical help to arrive.

Local businesses often serve as community hubs where people gather, including those at risk of overdose. By equipping these businesses with Narcan, the chances of a timely response increase dramatically. This distribution effort by the Lumina Project reflects a practical approach to overdose prevention, placing lifesaving tools directly where they are needed.

The Distribution Event: What Happened in Clinton

Our visit was more than just handing out Narcan kits. We engaged with workers at each business to understand their current knowledge and feelings about Narcan. These conversations revealed several important insights.

Clinton Community YMCA

Parker and Evan are pictured outside of the Clinton Community YMCA on Alexander St after donating Narcan to the location.

What we first learned was that public knowledge about Narcan varies. Some workers had heard of Narcan but were unsure how to use it. Others had never encountered it before. This gap in knowledge shows the need for ongoing education alongside distribution. At one of our first stops at the Clinton Community YMCA, we spoke with the front desk worker named Jacob, who was familiar with Narcan. He admitted that although he had never administered the medication, he saw the utility of having it on hand at the location.

Some workers we encountered expressed worries about the stigma attached to drug use and overdose. Many feared that having Narcan on-site might label their business or customers unfairly. Addressing these concerns is key to wider acceptance.

Town & Country Motel

At the first location we visited, the Town & Country Motel, we spoke with a front desk worker named Risha, who was concerned at first about the negative connotations associated with Narcan. After conversing with her, she was eager to support our cause and wanted to learn more about the implementation and uses of Narcan.

The front desk workers and business owners that we encountered had a willingness to learn and help. Despite concerns, most workers were open to learning how to use Narcan and recognized its potential to save lives. This positive attitude is encouraging for future outreach.

Lessons Learned From the Clinton Visit

The event provided valuable lessons that can guide future Narcan distribution efforts. Simply providing Narcan is not enough. Education must accompany our distribution efforts. Training and clear information help reduce fear and stigma, making businesses more confident in using the medication.

We also learned that talking directly with workers creates a sense of partnership. It also uncovers specific local concerns that can be addressed in future programs. The stigma around drug use remains a barrier. However, addressing this stigma requires open dialogue. Open conversations help normalize Narcan as a safety tool, similar to fire extinguishers or first aid kits.

Wye Motel

In our stop at the Wye Motel, we were able to speak with a man named Nick, the front desk worker on site. Although he was not previously aware of Narcan, we were able to educate him on the medical properties and indications of the product. He expressed gratitude for our donation. One of our founding members, Evan, is pictured here.

By distributing 24 devices to each location, the Lumina Project ensured that these businesses are well-prepared to respond to emergencies. By the end of the day, we had distributed a total of 96 devices to the community in Clinton. This quantity reflects a commitment to sustained readiness rather than a one-time gesture. Each business has different risks and customer profiles. Understanding these differences helps decide how many kits to provide and what kind of support is needed. As an organization, we make the effort to tailor our distribution according to the local needs.

The Bigger Picture: Reducing Overdose Deaths Through Community Action

The Lumina Project’s work in Clinton is part of a larger movement to combat the opioid crisis through community involvement. By placing Narcan in everyday locations, the chances of saving lives increase significantly. This approach recognizes that overdoses can happen anywhere and that quick action by bystanders is often the difference between life and death.

Sunset Inn & Suites

Communities that embrace Narcan distribution and education create safer environments and reduce the isolation often felt by people struggling with addiction. This helps break down barriers to seeking help and treatment. At our final location for the day, Sunset Inn & Suites, we were able to speak with front desk worker Ada, who was very welcoming and appreciative of our donation.

Moving Forward: What Comes Next for Clinton and Beyond

The success of this distribution event encourages continued efforts to expand Narcan availability in Clinton and other towns. In our future distributions, we want to ensure that workers feel confident and supported in using Narcan. We hope to visit a wide range of locations, including restaurants, gas stations, and other public places. Ultimately, experiences such as this allow us to learn from businesses about their experiences to improve future programs. Overall, we hope that Lumina Project’s commitment to these goals will help build a stronger safety net for everyone in the region.