Lori Holleran Steiker
Attention has recently turned to the epidemic Opioid Overdose deaths in our country. From the President and political platforms to community groups to legislators, the crisis is being illuminated and changes are being effected. Presently, all but five states (AZ, KS, MO, MT, WY) have passed legislation designed to improve layperson naloxone access [1]. Naloxone hydrochloride is a generic, non-narcotic opioid antagonist that blocks the brain cell receptors activated by opioids. It is a fast-acting drug that, when administered during an overdose blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores breathing within two to three minutes of administration. It is not psychoactive, has no potential for abuse, and side effects are rare [2]. Naloxone makes opioid overdose prevention effective with the injectable or inhalable response [3]. On college campuses, overdose is no longer “someone else’s problem.” A 19 y/o University of Texas Freshman with a 4.0 GPA died of opiate overdose during break. Soon after, overdose took the life of a male student in an off-campus dorm. The numbers are growing and impacting this population profoundly. The lack of knowledge, stigma, and resistance on the part of physicians, pharmacists and administrators are slowing the necessary progress of solutions and this commentary serves as a call to action, an evidence-base, and encouragement to the relevant professions to embrace the new policies, resources, and lifesaving medical advances such as Naloxone.
