![]() ![]() Second, we must hold our policymakers accountable for ensuring that Narcan is affordable and accessible.īeing prepared to address an overdose requires having Narcan nearby. First, every one of us - as everyday citizens and members of our communities - should be prepared to address an overdose. Each of us will need to take action to capitalize on this important moment and ensure that the FDA’s move saves as many lives as possible. While the FDA’s move is a critical step to addressing our opioid crisis, this policy change alone will not be enough. ![]() Now they're begging parents to understand the dangers Fentanyl is also commonly a contaminant in other drugs like cocaine.įentanyl killed their son. Overdoses are becoming more commonplace because fentanyl has flooded the illicit drug supply, including in counterfeit pills made to look like real prescription medications such as oxycodone or Xanax. In 2021 alone, the US recorded nearly 107,000 fatal overdoses, the equivalent of an American dying every 5 minutes. More than one million Americans have died of an overdose since the turn of the 21st century, and death rates are worsening. The FDA’s decision comes amid a national overdose crisis. ![]() Starting this summer, anyone will be able to purchase Narcan directly from drug stores - as well as supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations and vending machines. Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made the historic decision to make Narcan available to everyone over the counter. The paramedics soon arrived and took my neighbor to our nearby emergency department, where he was offered further care, including the opportunity to start addiction treatment. He had used heroin that unbeknownst to him had been laced with fentanyl, a highly potent and lethal drug. My neighbor was one of the now 5.6 million Americans who live with opioid addiction. Within minutes, he was awake, talkative and thankful. I reached into my bag, pulled out Narcan, sprayed it in my neighbor’s nostril and called 911. Walking home from work one evening, I found a neighbor slumped over, non-responsive and blue. ![]()
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