Senate Passes Bill To Make Naloxone More Accessible

Lawmakers are trying to make a critical overdose intervention drug more available to the public.  The Senate unanimously approved changes Tuesday that would give more people access to naloxone.

Last year, the General Assembly approved a bill allowing emergency medical technicians and first responders to use naloxone, a drug used to halt the effects of an overdose from drugs such as heroin.  Indianapolis Republican Sen. Jim Merritt says naxolone saves lives, and its success last year led to this year’s bill, which allows anyone to get a prescription for the drug.

“Go to the pharmacy, get the prescription, have it on their person, and possibly save the life of an addict in their house or someone on the cul-de-sac, in their community,” Merritt said.

The bill cleared the Senate on a 50-0 vote.  It now heads to the House.