Grant allows state’s ERs to distribute Narcan

A federal grant is allowing all hospital emergency departments in the state to have the opioid overdose-reversing medication naloxone — better known by its brand name Narcan — available for distribution to patients and loved ones.

“Naloxone has saved countless lives not only in our state but across the country,” said Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, commissioner of the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, in an email. “Getting this lifesaving medication into the hands of those most at risk for an opioid overdose is crucial to not only reducing the number of fatal overdoses, but giving individu- als another chance so they may begin treatment for opioid use disorder and start their path of recovery.”

The naloxone, funded by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services through federal funds from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is provided to the hospital emergency departments at no cost.

The medication available through the effort is meant to be given patients and their family members or friends upon discharge, not for administration in the hospital.

The medication may also be offered to individuals who may be at risk for an opioid overdose even if that is not what sent them to the emergency room in the first place.