Another chance: Tennessee bill that expands access to naloxone becomes law - WTVC
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A life-saving medication will soon be more available to people struggling with drug abuse.
Tennessee passed a bill expanding prescriptions for the drug Naloxone which can help someone experiencing an overdose.
We spoke to advocates on how this will help in the fight against the opioid crisis.
Advocates and those who’ve struggled with substance abuse in the past say that now naloxone is more available, it will save lives and give more people a second chance at recovery.
"Any kind of street drugs, I was using alcohol, the pain medications, which were prescribed to me, and I started abusing them. And so they became very addictive to me as well," said Maurice Drain.
Maurice Drain says he struggled with substance abuse for nearly 20 years.
When he overdosed years ago he didn’t even know what the opioid antagonist naloxone was.
"It was much harder, you really didn't even hear about it," said Drain.
Naloxone is used to prevent accidental overdoses from becoming fatal.
Lawmakers like Representative Bob Ramsey discussed the legislation over the last few months.
Ramsey says before the bill, some populations still couldn’t get the drug.
"So I just want to get everybody to understand this is a bill for a specific group of people that's left underserved," said Rep. Bob Ramsey (R).
Before, only someone at risk for an overdose could be prescribed.
But the new law will let organizations like schools, churches, police, and more issue a standing order to keep the drug in supply.
"Now, basically, anybody can buy it, order it, ship it, give it away, do whatever you need to do," said Mary Linden Salter.
Family members, friends, and peers will also have access to naloxone.
Mary Linden Salter with the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug and other addiction services (TAADAS) says this bill won't just increase access, it gives those who overdose another chance.
"Keeping them alive gives them a chance to actually enter treat treatment at some point," said Salter.
Even though Drain didn’t have the drug when he needed it, he's grateful he's still here to help others like him.
"So yes, I've been in that position. But fortunately, I am here to talk about it," said Drain.
Similar acting and equally as safe drugs besides naloxone are approved to treat drug-related overdoses under the new law.
The bill officially became law on April 4th following Governor Lee's signature in March.
source: https://newschannel9.com/news/local/another-chance-tennessee-bill-that-expands-access-to-naloxone-becomes-law
Your content is great. However, if any of the content contained herein violates any rights of yours, including those of copyright, please contact us immediately by e-mail at media[@]kissrpr.com.