Safe Streets Wichita expands Industry Initiative Project to place Naloxone behind the bar

WICHITA, KS - Safe Streets Wichita, Inc. is advancing its community-led Industry Initiative Project with a focused goal to place Naloxone and trained staff behind bars, in restaurants, and at shows and events across Wichita.

More than 65 local bars, restaurants, coffee shops, venues and tattoo shops are already participating. Through hands-on training, partners like Reverie and other establishments are now equipped as leave-behind businesses, meaning they keep Naloxone on site and are prepared to respond to an overdose.

This project brings harm reduction directly into nightlife spaces and empowers hospitality staff to respond quickly in emergencies. The Industry Initiative also offers supplies like GHB Drink Spiking Tests and Fentanyl Test Strips to businesses that have experienced emergencies in the past. You can also find the project in action at local live music events, where volunteers can be found tabling with life-saving supplies and resources.

Project founder, Morgan Jennings, started the Industry Initiative in November 2023 as a response to the increase in overdose deaths and the stigma that followed substance use and people affected by it. Utilizing the local music scene and the vibrant restaurant, bar, and brewery industry, the project has grown to what it is now with the help of local venues, bands, and business owners in Wichita. The project's impact has spread nationwide through touring bands. At the same time, in Wichita, the Industry Initiative supplies Naloxone and other overdose prevention items for them to take to the rest of their tour stops.

Read the full blog post here: https://www.safestreetswichita.org/post/naloxone-now-in-25-wichita-bars-thanks-to-local-industry-initiative

The Gayly online. 4/18/26 @ 4:57 p.m. CST.