HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) – The Wolf Administration signed an updated naloxone standing order that will allow community-based organizations to provide naloxone by mail.
“Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Since 2018, we have provided free naloxone kits through public events to more than 10,000 Pennsylvanians, and first responders have further assisted in getting naloxone into the community. However, we know that there are challenges in getting naloxone to people in need, particularly during a global pandemic, and this standing order will work to assist with that. It is important that people know that treatment works, and recovery is possible.”
A standing order from 2016 allowed any Pennsylvanian to get naloxone at a pharmacy to give to someone at risk of an opioid-related overdose. This update will allow community-based organizations to provide at-risk individuals naloxone by mail or in person.
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“A key component to decreasing the number of overdose deaths in Pennsylvania is permeating naloxone in communities and public venues,” said DDAP Secretary Smith. “When dealing with an epidemic like the opioid crisis, life-saving medication should be a part of every first aid kit and readily available. We encourage everyone – business owners, members of the general public, loved ones affected by substance use disorder, and individuals suffering from the disease - to equip themselves to respond in an emergency.”
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