Take the fight further

Arkansas has taken steps to address the opioid epidemic through increasing the availability of the lifesaving drug naloxone, which acts to reverse opioid overdose. The state has achieved this by outfitting state troopers and police officers with naloxone, as well as making the drug available at pharmacies without a prescription.

While it is phenomenal that naloxone is more available than ever, it needs to be even more accessible in order to achieve its desired goal. The way to achieve this is through the implementation of needle-exchange programs.

In a state where around 17 percent of its population is living in poverty, purchasing naloxone at the pharmacy for $75-$150 per dose is not a realistic solution. Even though Arkansas has “Good Samaritan” laws in place protecting overdosed individuals from legal repercussions, drug users may hesitate to call 911 in the event of an overdose for fear of criminal prosecution.

Needle-exchange programs need to be part of the solution because of the numerous benefits they provide to drug users and communities as a whole. Clients can obtain free services such as clean syringes, naloxone, treatment referrals, and testing services. These resources help to reduce new cases of HIV and hepatitis C acquired from contaminated needles, which results in making communities safer.

While the value of this recent change in protocols regarding naloxone cannot be understated, Arkansas needs more work to fight the opioid epidemic and should include the implementation of needle-exchange programs.

CELIE JOBLIN

Little Rock