A KIMT3 segment raises public awareness that the opioid overdose medication Narcan is now available over the counter in Minnesota. Reporting from Rochester, where NUWAY Alliance offers intensive outpatient treatment at NUWAY — Rochester Counseling Center and residential women’s treatment at The Gables, the station relayed current opioid overdose statistics and interviewed NUWAY Chief Community Relations Officer Monique Bourgeois, MPNA, LADC, for comment. “With lives being saved, that helps people who may be struggling with an opioid addiction find help and get help and become active and productive members of our society,” says Bourgeois. The KIMT3 report suggests that Narcan should be made available over the counter at pharmacies for under 50 dollars.
Narcan is a nasal spray that can reverse a life-threatening opioid overdose. The FDA approved the medication to be made available over the counter and without a prescription in March, and it is now being distributed to pharmacies, grocery stores, and convenience stores. The prevalence of opioids in the illicit drug supply nationwide makes Narcan access vital. Many people who experience opioid overdose are unaware that their substances are adulterated with opioids, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and other substances.
Recent reporting suggests that 66 percent of Americans have personal or family experience with addiction, and 51 percent are concerned a family member will become addicted to substances. Now that Narcan is more broadly accessible, anyone concerned about themselves, loved ones, or community members can be better prepared to help in the event of an opioid overdose.
View Article: KIMT3