Narcan

Naloxone, the generic name for Narcan, will be available at pharmacies in a statewide effort to reduce opioid overdoses.

EASTON — Better known by its generic name, naloxone, Narcan is considered the first line of defense during an opioid or heroin overdose.

Previously, naloxone was available only to law enforcement, emergency services or individuals who were trained and certified under the Maryland Overdose Response Program, but not anymore.

“It is like CPR to a heart attack,” Clay Stamp said. “Naloxone is a front-line tool.”

Stamp, a Talbot County resident, was named the executive director of the Opioid Operational Command Center after being tapped by Gov. Larry Hogan to lead the statewide effort against the opioid epidemic.

The Opioid Operational Command Center, established by Hogan in January through an executive order, facilitates collaboration between state and local public health, human services, education and public safety entities to combat the heroin and opioid crisis and its effects on Maryland communities.

“By allowing even more people access to naloxone, we’re helping to save lives,” Stamp said.

The number of overdose-related deaths in 2016 rose from the previous year, with 2,089 being reported — a 66 percent increase. A staggering 89 percent of those fatalities were opioid related.

These numbers are not going unnoticed. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Hogan’s office are taking strong actions to reduce those numbers, including making naloxone more accessible to the people who need it the most.

In a press release dated Thursday, June 8, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and Public Health Deputy Secretary Dr. Howard Haft issued a standing order that allows pharmacies to dispense naloxone to people who may be at risk of an overdose or anyone who may be able to help someone who overdoses.

“As the opioid epidemic has evolved, we have worked steadily to expand access to naloxone,” Haft said. “Pharmacies play an important role in providing access to naloxone and counseling on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. This order is yet another tool to fight this crisis and to provide immediate assistance to overdose victims.”

The order comes following Hogan’s signing of a legislation that included an administration-proposed Overdose Prevention Act to enable all citizens to access naloxone.

The press release cites pharmacies as playing an important role in providing access to naloxone and counseling on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose.

Katie Kuehn, communications director for the Opioid Operational Command Center, said starting Thursday, June 1, anyone can receive access to naloxone from Maryland pharmacies without a prescription.

A single dose of naloxone may reduce the effects of a heroin overdose; however, when dealing with an overdose related to stronger, deadlier drugs such as fentanyl and carfentanil, several doses of the life saving medication may be required.

Even though the medication may revive someone, it still is important to call 911, take the person to the hospital and for them to seek additional treatment.

“We must remember, though, that ultimately those suffering from the disease of addiction or substance use disorder must be linked to additional treatment to aid in their recovery,” Stamp said.

Kuehn recommends calling pharmacies first to ensure it is in stock. A list of pharmacies currently stocking naloxone can be found at www.bha.health.maryland.gov/NALOXONE/Pages/Naloxone.aspx.

For more information on naloxone including how to administer the medication visit www.bha.health.mary land.gov/NALOXONE/Pages/ Naloxone.aspx.

For more information about effective prevention, treatment and recovery, visit BeforeItsTooLateMD.org or call the state crisis hotline at 1-800-422-0009.

Follow me on Twitter @Dspiering617

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