Carlucci’s Column:  Naloxone Saves Lives

BY STATE SENATOR DAVID CARLUCCI 

Across the country, individuals, families, and communities, both rich and poor, have been impacted by the opioid epidemic. On average 115 people die every day from an opioid overdose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rockland and Westchester Counties have not been immune. In 2017, both counties saw death tolls more than triple since 2008.

To be at the forefront of this problem, plaguing our communities, I fought for legislation, which is now law, requiring all chain pharmacies in the state sell naloxone over the counter. Naloxone also known as narcan is a drug used to counter the effects of an opioid overdose. The drug is lifesaving. According to research from Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston, 93.5 percent of the more than 12,000 people given naloxone survived their overdose.

Naloxone cannot only be accessible, but it must be affordable. Last year, the state created a program that covers up to $40 in co-payment assistance for naloxone through your health insurance. The program also helps people on Medicaid or Medicare. For anyone uninsured or without prescription coverage, they can still receive naloxone for free through New York’s network of registered opioid overdose prevention programs.

Overcoming the opioid epidemic; however, requires our entire community working together. Some may find themselves in a position to help a person suffering from an overdose before Emergency Medical Services arrive on scene. This is why I continue to offer free naloxone trainings in Rockland County.

Our next free naloxone training will be taught by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) on Thursday, August 9th at the Clarkstown Town Hall. Participants will learn how to recognize an overdose, what to do during an overdose, how to provide rescue breathing, and how to administer naloxone. After completing, the training participants will be certified to administer naloxone and will be given a free naloxone rescue kit. The training is sponsored by my office and Clarkstown Town Supervisor, George Hoehmann’s office.

Naloxone Training

Thursday, August 9th
6 p.m.
Town of Clarkstown
Room 301, 10 Maple Avenue
New City, NY 10956

If you would like to attend, please RSVP by calling my office at (845) 623-3627.

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