San José Mineta International Airport Launches Comprehensive Emergency Response Program

The Airport introduces Narcan and Trauma Kits to combat opioid overdoses and enhance passenger safety

San José, Calif. – San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) announces the introduction of a new emergency response initiative to address the opioid crisis, featuring the overdose reversal drug Narcan. This follows a national call-to-action by the U.S. President and Vice President in March 2024 aimed at combating the opioid epidemic.

The initiative is a collaboration with the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department, which is providing the Narcan and training on its administration to San José employees. Narcan, the brand name for naloxone hydrochloride, is a nasal spray administered to reverse opioid overdoses, including those from heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioids.

“Overdose can happen anywhere, and the tools needed to save lives must be available, too. Making naloxone easily accessible in public places like San José Mineta International Airport is another important step in our program's work to promote opioid safety throughout our county for all of our residents," said Anjanette DeVito, R.N., Nurse Manager with the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department's Substance Use Treatment Services Addiction Medicine and Therapy Program.

“Narcan saves lives,” San José Mayor Matt Mahan said. “Thousands of people come through San José Mineta International Airport every day — equipping our employees with the tools and training to respond to an overdose helps our city do its part to combat the opioid epidemic.”

“I’m proud of the efforts the Airport workforce is making to be prepared for all emergencies. By placing trauma kits and Narcan throughout the terminals and being trained to handle overdose incidents to potentially save a life shows the incredible effort the Airport is making to keep everyone safe,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire.

In addition to the Narcan provided by the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department, SJC has also installed trauma (bleeding control) kits in Automated External Defibrillator (AED) cabinets throughout the Airport. There are 52 AED cabinets across SJC.

Throughout May, over 200 SJC and other on-premises employees participated in first aid training sessions, which will continue in the coming months. California's Good Samaritan law offers legal protection to those providing emergency medical care, including the use of AEDs, naloxone (Narcan) and trauma kits.

"SJC is committed to ensuring the highest safety standards at our facilities, and that we’re equipped to address any health emergencies that may arise," said SJC Director of Aviation Mookie Patel. "By providing Narcan and training our staff, we are prepared to respond to overdose incidents promptly, ensuring the well-being of everyone at our Airport."

Signage will be prominently displayed on AED cabinets throughout the Airport terminals and parking areas, informing about the availability of:

This significant update will provide the employees, passengers and visitors with immediate access to life-saving resources, further enhancing their safety while traveling or working at SJC.