Registry Gives Access To Drug That Reverses Heroin Effects

Associated Press

The optIN, registry allows nonprofits, pharmacies, local health departments, addiction treatment facilities, correctional facilities and other entities to register as providers of naloxone.
*file photo*

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Department of Health has created an online registry of places that dispense a drug that can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose.

The Overdose Prevention Therapy-Indiana, or optIN, registry allows nonprofits, pharmacies, local health departments, addiction treatment facilities, correctional facilities and other entities to register as providers of naloxone. That's a non-narcotic medication that reverses life-threatening respiratory failure that is usually the cause of overdose deaths.

Entities must obtain a prescription, or standing order, from a physician allowing them to distribute naloxone, provide training in the use of naloxone, instruct those who administer it to call 911 and provide a list of options for substance abuse treatment. Registered entities will also report the number of doses distributed.

The registry can be accessed at https://optin.in.gov/.

Tags:naloxone Indiana Department of Health

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