In August 2025, a newsstand outside Nourishing Hope's Sheridan Market became one of four Uptown locations where people could obtain free naloxone. The converted stands brought an overdose reversal medication into familiar public places, including a site where neighbors already seek food and other support.
The Chicago Department of Public Health funded the four Uptown newsstands as part of its overdose prevention work. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, supplies were due to become available at all four locations on August 27. The other sites were outside Cornerstone Community Shelter, the Institute of Cultural Affairs, and a Chicago Department of Family and Support Services location.
Why the pantry location matters
Nourishing Hope was already distributing naloxone and drug testing kits at three locations in Uptown, Humboldt Park, and West Town. Chief Executive Officer Mitzi Baum told the Sun-Times that placing a stand outside the pantry extended services the organization was already providing.
A pantry is a regular point of contact with neighbors. Adding a free supply at that location reduces the need to find a separate service provider. It also makes the stand visible to people who may not know that naloxone is available at no cost elsewhere in the city.
One access point within a larger network
Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, can reverse an opioid overdose. The Sun-Times reported that Chicago and Cook County were also distributing it through vending machines and other public locations. The Uptown newsstands were another route to access, not the city's only source.
The newsstands show how an existing neighborhood service can help carry a public health response. Nourishing Hope's role is specific: it hosts one of the stands and has experience distributing supplies. The city public health department funds the four stands.
Read Nourishing Hope's coverage and the original Chicago Sun-Times report.
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