North Providence church takes action against opioid crisis with Narcan Life Box
St. James Episcopal Church, located at 474 Fruit Hill Avenue, has taken a bold step in addressing the opioid crisis by installing a self-service Narcan Life Box on its property. Resembling a “Little Library” or “Blessing Box,” this anonymous, no-cost resource is located in the church’s driveway and provides public access to the lifesaving medication naloxone (Narcan).St. James is the first church in Rhode Island to offer Narcan in this way, as part of its “mustard seed ministries”.
The Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, blessed the Narcan Life Box during a special service on Thursday, September 18, 2025 alongside community partners including North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi and Robert DeAngelis, Chief of EMS. “If people need this, then it’s our duty to make sure it’s made available for them. The church must be a place where compassion meets action, especially in times of crisis.” said Knisely.
According to Sarah Rocchio, Senior Warden of St. James, the Narcan Box, depleted all of its inventory within the first week showing the great need in the community. “We may be a small congregation, but our ‘mustard seed’ ministries aim to make a big impact,” Rocchio said. “This effort could save lives in our own community — including the nearby Rhode Island College campus and surrounding neighborhoods in Providence.” Rocchio emphasized the importance of carrying naloxone: “It’s no different than having an EpiPen for allergies. You can keep it in your car, purse, or home — and be ready to save a life in an opioid emergency.”
The Narcan Life Box was constructed and installed by longtime parishioner and The Episcopal Church’s Global Mission worker, Peter Bak.
According to data from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) Substance Use Epidemiology Program, 329 Rhode Islanders died from accidental overdoses in 2024. Of those deaths, 69% involved opioids, and 57% specifically involved fentanyl. In June 2025, RIDOH issued an overdose spike alert for North Providence, underscoring the urgent need for harm-reduction efforts in Rhode Island.