Street Vigilantes Use Narcan to Combat Drug Overdoses
Originally Published 4 months ago — by The San Francisco Standard
Street vigilantes, frustrated with drug users, are using Narcan as a weapon to combat drug-related issues in their communities.
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Narcan
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"Raleigh Teen Heroically Uses Narcan to Save Life Roadside"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by WRAL News
A Raleigh high school senior, Victoria Taton, saved a man's life by administering Narcan after suspecting an overdose. Taton, who has been carrying Narcan for two years, acted quickly when she saw the man unresponsive by the side of the road. Her actions highlight the importance of carrying naloxone to combat overdoses.
"Deadly 'Zombie Drug' Laced with Animal Sedative Fuels US Overdose Crisis"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NewsNation Now
A new street drug called medetomidine, an animal tranquilizer 100 times stronger than xylazine, is causing overdose deaths in nine U.S. states. Often found mixed with fentanyl and heroin, medetomidine leads to severe sedation and slowed heart rate, and is not reversible with Narcan. The drug is exacerbating the drug crisis in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Experts emphasize the importance of calling 911 and providing rescue breathing during overdoses, while urging against dehumanizing those affected.
"Jails Install Narcan Vending Machines for Opioid Overdose Prevention"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by WRAL News
Edgecombe County's first Narcan vending machine has been installed at the local jail, allowing deputies, jail employees, and recently released inmates to access the opioid overdose-reversing drug with the touch of a button. The Edgecombe County Community Paramedic Program is working on placing a second machine for free public access. The initiative aims to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the stigma surrounding overdoses, with hopes of expanding the availability of Narcan throughout the county.
"Narcan Accessibility Challenges: Inconsistent Availability Across U.S."
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News
Since the launch of the over-the-counter version of Narcan, the antidote for opioid overdoses, sales have increased, with over 20 million doses distributed in the U.S. and Canada in 2023. However, the availability and pricing of Narcan vary across pharmacies, with some stores placing it behind the counter and pricing it at around $45, posing barriers to access. Despite this, advocates believe that making Narcan more accessible will save lives, especially as it becomes more widely recognized as a crucial tool for addressing the opioid crisis.
"Narcan Accessibility Crisis in Texas Pharmacies"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Texas Tribune
Despite the FDA's decision to make the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone available over the counter, a report from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy found that 71% of Houston pharmacies keep it behind the counter or are entirely out of stock. Inconsistent practices and slow resupply times make Narcan difficult to find, hindering efforts to prevent fentanyl-related deaths in Texas, where an estimated 5,566 drug-related deaths occurred from 2022 to 2023. Access to the life-saving drug is also inconsistent nationwide, with pharmacies citing concerns about theft and lack of demand. Efforts are being made to increase availability, including a $25 million grant from the Opioid Abatement Fund Council in Texas, but challenges such as staffing shortages and lack of education among pharmacists remain.
"Narcan Deployments Spike at Vail Presidents Day Concert"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Vail Daily
Over Presidents Day weekend, the Vail Police Department witnessed nine deployments of Narcan during the John Summit concert, with medical staff on site for the event provided through a private company. The town of Vail will not release further information about the Narcan deployments, and there is no indication of a connection between the incidents. Colorado has laws in place to protect individuals who are overdosing, and over-the-counter Narcan is available at multiple pharmacies in Eagle County. Harm reduction measures, including education and access to Narcan and fentanyl test strips, have come into the national and statewide conversation as opioid and fentanyl overdoses continue to rise.
"Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay Found Unresponsive in Suspected Overdose at Home"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNN
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was found unresponsive in December in an apparent overdose at his home, according to a police report. The report described Irsay as "unresponsive, breathing, but turning blue," and stated that he was given a dose of Narcan, a drug used to reverse opioid overdose. Irsay, who has a history of substance abuse and has been to rehab multiple times, is said to be recovering from a respiratory illness. The Colts issued a statement asking for privacy regarding Irsay's personal health.
"Free Narcan by Mail: Santa Clara County's Lifesaving Initiative"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Mercury News
Santa Clara County is providing free Narcan, the opioid overdose-reversing nasal spray, by mail to residents in an effort to combat the opioid crisis. The county has fulfilled nearly 60 requests for Narcan since December and is also offering in-person trainings at several county clinics. The mail-order program aims to make the medication and training more accessible to residents, addressing concerns about stigma and providing a convenient alternative to obtaining Narcan.
"Rise of 'Zombie Drug': A New Deadly Player in the Opioid Epidemic"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Hawaii News Now
Hawaii has experienced a concerning rise in overdose deaths, with four fatalities in 2023 linked to the horse tranquilizer xylazine, a substance that has been mixed with fentanyl to extend its effects. Unlike opioid overdoses, where naloxone (Narcan) can be used as an antidote, there is no known antidote for xylazine. Despite increased availability of Narcan, Hawaii is on track to surpass previous records for fentanyl-related deaths, with first responders attending to overdose cases daily. Efforts to revive victims with Narcan have been captured on body camera footage, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the challenges faced by emergency services.
"Nightclubs Face Dilemmas Over Providing Overdose Antidotes"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Yahoo News
In New York City, some nightclub security personnel have been confiscating Narcan, a lifesaving overdose antidote, from patrons, conflicting with a city initiative to have the antidote widely available in public venues. Despite the city's push for overdose prevention, including the "NARCAN Behind Every Bar" program, incidents at venues like Brooklyn Steel have raised concerns about security guards' awareness and training. The city is facing a severe overdose crisis, with fentanyl involved in the majority of cases. Venue owners and city officials are working to ensure Narcan is accessible and that staff are properly trained, while security companies are addressing the issue as a learning opportunity.
"Nightclubs Face Dilemmas Over Providing Overdose Antidotes"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
In New York City, some nightclubs have been confiscating Narcan, a nasal spray form of naloxone used to reverse opioid overdoses, from patrons due to security concerns. This practice conflicts with a city initiative encouraging the public to carry the lifesaving drug. City officials, including the health commissioner, have emphasized that everyone should carry naloxone and that it should not be taken away, highlighting a disconnect between public health efforts and nightclub security protocols.
Election Clerks Face Fentanyl-Laced Letters: Utah Considers Protective Measures
Originally Published 2 years ago — by FOX 13 News Utah
Utah officials are considering providing Narcan and gloves to election clerks in ballot processing centers as a precautionary measure against fentanyl-laced letters, following a series of suspicious letters appearing in multiple states. Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson is urging county clerks to be prepared for the possibility of such letters and is working to procure supplies and training resources. Mental health resources will also be made available to support election workers during this stressful time. While some officials believe accidental exposure to fentanyl is negligible, precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of election workers.
"Rising Opioid Overdoses Plague Virginia High School"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NBC4 Washington
Park View High School in Loudoun County, Virginia, has reported nine opioid-related overdoses this year, with eight occurring in the last three weeks. Four of the overdoses happened inside the school. The overdoses are believed to involve fentanyl, and three students were given Narcan, an anti-overdose drug. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is investigating the source and distribution of the drugs. School staff are being trained on how to use naloxone, another anti-overdose drug.
Obstacles Remain for Accessing Over-the-Counter Narcan
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNN
The availability of Narcan, an over-the-counter medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, may not significantly expand access due to factors such as unpredictable retail prices, sporadic availability, and the need to ask a pharmacist for it. Experts argue that while the move is a step in the right direction, it falls short of addressing the urgent need to prevent fatal overdoses. Affordability is another concern, as the suggested price of $44.99 for a two-dose pack may be too steep for many consumers. Nonprofit organizations and harm reduction programs may need to continue distributing Narcan for free to reach a larger population. Additionally, efforts are being made to educate Latino immigrants, who are disproportionately affected by fentanyl deaths, about Narcan and its use.