Naloxone’s Role In Opioid Overdose Prevention
In 2013 an estimated 16,000 American citizens died from an opioid overdose (CDC, 2014). This number has also quadrupled since 2001, when opioid overdoses had only amounted to 4,000 deaths a year (NIDA, 2015). Nurses Saving Lives aims to educate Doctors, Policy makers and the general public on Naloxone and its life saving abilities to counteract the harmful effects of an opioid overdose that have often led to death. We believe that with the right information on the safety and efficacy of Naloxone, and clarification on common misconceptions that have plagued the subject, we can help make this life saving drug available over the counter to families, caregivers, and communities to help battle the growing …show more content…
It is believed by public figures, policy makers, and some of the general public that giving opioid users access to naloxone will result in increased drug abuse (Bazazi et al., 2010). Therefore, making the antidote drug available over the counter will send the wrong message to not only opioid users and abusers, but also the general public suggesting that using opioids can be safe because overdoses will be easily and readily reversed (Goldberg, 2012). Existing data refutes these claims, but many are still not convinced (Iriwn, Kim, Khoshnood, 2009). In Maine, Governor Paul Le Page went up against a bill that would grant access to EMTs and part of the general public to naloxone for he stated that it encourages drug abuse (Helbling, …show more content…
Our organization believes that going out and publicizing the lifesaving opioid overdose antidote safe and effective use to the general public will invite more people to understand and learn about Naloxone as a means to stop the growing number of deaths nationally, while setting an example to other nations worldwide. Additionally, we plan to gain more support from the public and health care professionals by providing education on how to become more familiar with the drug and recognize its safe and effective use it can have in the United States. NSL will reach out to the public and promote the use of Naloxone by having programs set up to go out to high schools, colleges, doctor’s offices, and first responders to educate them on how to accurately assess an opioid overdose, correct methods of administration, while highlighting the proven ease and safety in using products to administer Naloxone. Education will be thorough with videos, brochures, and hands on teaching with mannequins. Moreover, NSL will also have a 24-hour emergency hotline with trained professionals on staff to aid anyone who needs help with emergency assessment, injections, or any other
In 2013 an estimated 16,000 American citizens died from an opioid overdose (CDC, 2014). This number has also quadrupled since 2001, when opioid overdoses had only amounted to 4,000 deaths a year (NIDA, 2015). Nurses Saving Lives aims to educate Doctors, Policy makers and the general public on Naloxone and its life saving abilities to counteract the harmful effects of an opioid overdose that have often led to death. We believe that with the right information on the safety and efficacy of Naloxone, and clarification on common misconceptions that have plagued the subject, we can help make this life saving drug available over the counter to families, caregivers, and communities to help battle the growing …show more content…
It is believed by public figures, policy makers, and some of the general public that giving opioid users access to naloxone will result in increased drug abuse (Bazazi et al., 2010). Therefore, making the antidote drug available over the counter will send the wrong message to not only opioid users and abusers, but also the general public suggesting that using opioids can be safe because overdoses will be easily and readily reversed (Goldberg, 2012). Existing data refutes these claims, but many are still not convinced (Iriwn, Kim, Khoshnood, 2009). In Maine, Governor Paul Le Page went up against a bill that would grant access to EMTs and part of the general public to naloxone for he stated that it encourages drug abuse (Helbling, …show more content…
Our organization believes that going out and publicizing the lifesaving opioid overdose antidote safe and effective use to the general public will invite more people to understand and learn about Naloxone as a means to stop the growing number of deaths nationally, while setting an example to other nations worldwide. Additionally, we plan to gain more support from the public and health care professionals by providing education on how to become more familiar with the drug and recognize its safe and effective use it can have in the United States. NSL will reach out to the public and promote the use of Naloxone by having programs set up to go out to high schools, colleges, doctor’s offices, and first responders to educate them on how to accurately assess an opioid overdose, correct methods of administration, while highlighting the proven ease and safety in using products to administer Naloxone. Education will be thorough with videos, brochures, and hands on teaching with mannequins. Moreover, NSL will also have a 24-hour emergency hotline with trained professionals on staff to aid anyone who needs help with emergency assessment, injections, or any other