DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delaware lawmakers are eyeing legislation to help drug addicts survive heroin overdoses.
State officials last year adopted a pilot basic life support protocol that allows emergency responders to treat suspected narcotic overdoses with naloxone, a heroin overdose antidote known by the brand name Narcan.
A bill scheduled for a state Senate vote Tuesday calls for the Department of Health and Social Services to promote the safe use of naloxone, including education and training programs for people who could administer the antidote to friends or family members.
The bill also establishes a community-based access program requiring participants to complete an approved training program before receiving naloxone at no or low cost.
Sponsors say the legislation will improve the chances that people who overdose will survive and be connected to treatment programs.
