Opiod Overdose and Naloxone Distribution Program provides free help for at-risk youth
Over the past decade, Oklahoma has seen prescription drug overdoses take the lives of hundreds of residents.
In response to concerns about youth drug overdose, two state agencies have collaborated to create a program that provides naloxone, a drug that can reverse an opiate overdose if given in enough time, to youth 19 and younger.
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to increase access to naloxone.
The program, known as the Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Distribution Program, makes naloxone available at no charge to any Oklahoman 19 or younger, or to anyone who knows a youth who is at risk of overdose.
“Misuse and abuse of prescription painkillers continues to be a public health concern for Oklahomans of all ages,” said Jeff Dismukes, spokesman at the state mental health agency. “In 2013, Oklahoma’s age-adjusted overdose death rates were higher than the national average. Thirteen highrisk counties were identified in hopes that access to naloxone kits would decrease the number of prescription drug overdose deaths in the 19-andunder age group.”
Over the past few years, public officials have increased access to naloxone. In 2015, naloxone became available without a prescription, for sale at some pharmacies across the state, including several Walgreens locations.
Increasing access to naloxone for young people is the next step in those efforts, Dismukes said.
About 22 percent of Oklahoma 12th-grade students reported using prescription drugs without a doctor telling them to do so, according to the 2010 Oklahoma Prevention NeedsAssessment.
From 2007-2012, of the 44 children and teens who died of unintentional poisoning, the majority involved at least one prescription drug. Twothirds involved at least one opioid, drugs like hydrocodone and oxycodone.
“Anyone can be at risk of overdose if prescription drugs are not taken as directed and with a valid prescription,” Dismukes said. “Studies have shown that use of legitimately prescribed opioids before high school graduation is associated with a 33 percent increased risk of future opioid misuse. Having access to naloxone rescue kits is just as important for the 19-andyounger age group as it is for older Oklahomans.”
To learn which treatment centers in Oklahoma offer the free naloxone for youth, you can call the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at 522-3908.