Austin, TX
Austin City Council passes resolution to prioritize purchase and distribution of Narcan
AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Metropolis Council unanimously handed a decision to prioritize funding and assets to buy Naloxone, additionally known as “Narcan,” a medication that can be utilized to quickly deal with a fentanyl overdose.
Metropolis Council member Mackenzie Kelly introduced ahead Merchandise #43 throughout the Thursday, April 13 assembly. The decision goals to buy Narcan, in addition to distribute the overdose reversal kits whereas offering coaching on its use.
Narcan works by reversing the results of opioids, permitting people who’ve overdosed to regain consciousness and breathe usually.
Research point out the medication can cut back opioid overdose deaths by as much as 50 p.c.
Gov. Abbott publicizes $10M marketing campaign on fentanyl risks, statewide distribution of Narcan
Gov. Greg Abbott introduced a $10 million multimedia marketing campaign for outreach on the risks of fentanyl in addition to statewide distribution of Narcan.
Council member Kelly goals to make sure that Austin Travis County EMS has constant and dependable funding for buying opioid overdose reversal treatment for employees to make use of within the occasion of an opioid overdose.
Kelly additionally goals to distribute and prepare group companions and native enterprise house owners on find out how to use and administer Narcan, significantly within the areas of Austin the place opioid use is highest.
“With the opioid epidemic affecting many elements of the nation, together with Austin, Narcan has turn into an more and more vital software for first responders to save lots of lives,” council member Kelly stated. “Narcan may even be administered by members of the general public who’ve been skilled to make use of it appropriately and once they have entry to it. By rapidly reversing the results of an oversode, Narcan can forestall fatalities and provides people a second likelihood at restoration and life.”
The decision comes as authorities on the state and native degree push to make Narcan extra accessible to deal with fentanyl and different opioid overdoses.
RELATED COVERAGE
Williamson County officers have made a renewed push to make the overdose-reversal drug extra accessible in faculties, and Gov. Greg Abbott lately introduced a $10M fentanyl outreach marketing campaign and statewide distribution of Narcan.
The Metropolis Supervisor is directed to return to the Public Security Committee with an replace relating to Naloxone funding and assets no later than July 28, 2023.