A bill that would provide an anti-overdose treatment over Alaskan drugstore counters has passed the House of Representatives unanimously. It was passed by the Senate 19-1 last session.
Juneau Representative Cathy Munoz says it would provide immunity and availability of Naloxone to individuals experiencing an overdose.
Rep. Munoz (R-District 34): “It was one of the few bills that was allowed to continue given the recent decision by the Speaker of the House to pull all issues off the calendar that are not related to the budget.”
Senate Bill 23 would make Naloxone, a medication that absorbs the affects of overdoses, available to be distributed over the counter at pharmacies and by trained agencies.
Alaska has seen a sharp increase in heroin related activities in recent years and just last year 76 Alaskans were documented as dying as a result of overdosing on opioids, including heroin.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Naloxone prevented over eight thousand heroin overdose deaths in 2013.
In addition to making Naloxone available for use in Alaska, SB 23 also relieves health care providers, family, and friends from civil liability when dispensing or administering the drug.
The bill will now be sent to Governor Bill Walker for his signature.