INDIANAPOLIS — The state will fund a $1.3 million distribution of the opioid reversal agent naloxone to ensure the medication reaches Hoosiers who are at risk of drug overdose.
Overdose Lifeline, Inc., an Indiana nonprofit dedicated to helping those affected by substance use disorder through advocacy, harm reduction, and prevention, will distribute 35,000 doses of naloxone to first responders, families, friends and others who are likely to be the first on the scene if someone overdoses. The organization also intends to purchase and place 215 additional NaloxBox units across the state and fund other harm reduction strategies.
Indiana reported a 33% increase in fatal overdoses in 2020, according to provisional data released in July by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication approved to prevent overdose by opioids. Naloxone is given when a person is showing signs of opioid overdose to block the toxic effects of the overdose and is often the difference between a patient living and dying.
First responders, families, caregivers and other individuals who would like to receive a supply of naloxone can register online at overdoselifeline.org. A list of resources around naloxone may be found at the Indiana Department of Health website at optin.in.gov.