Access to opiate antidote expanded

A drug with the ability to reverse an opioid overdose is becoming more accessible in Montana.

Naloxone is a prescription drug that can counteract the effects of a prescription opioid or heroin overdose, and can be life-saving if administered in time.

A new law passed in the 2017 state legislative session broadens the availability of Naloxone to law enforcement, first responders and other eligible individuals. The Legislature also passed a bill to authorize the emergency use of Naloxone in schools.

“This will help us tremendously when responding to emergency situations that call for the need to stabilize an individual in a crisis situation,” said Bryan Lockerby, the administrator for the Division of Criminal Investigation at the Montana Department of Justice.

Law enforcement in the Flathead Valley will likely take advantage of the opportunity to obtain the drug, according to Northwest Montana Drug Task Force Commander Mark Mulcahy.

Since 2000, there have been more than 700 deaths from opioid overdose in Montana, and Northwest Montana is not immune to the problem.

“We have had opioid overdoses in the valley,” Mulcahy said.

While overdose-related deaths are not common, the drug task force commander said he would prefer to have tools in place to save someone from an overdose if and when the situation arises.

“I would rather we had access to it before something happens, rather than wait until it’s too late,” Mulcahy said.

Schools in Montana are also reacting to the new laws by revising an “Administering Medicine to Students” policy to include stocking opioid-reversal drugs. The drugs would be used by a school nurse or other authorized personnel on a student experiencing an overdose.

The Department of Health and Human Services is offering a training program later in the year to teach first responders, law enforcement and others how to administer the drug.

The drug comes in the form of a nasal spray and as an injectable formula.

Although the drug has proven to save lives, each overdose situation is different.

Naloxone only lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, while the effects of the opioids may last much longer, according to the advocacy group Harm Reduction Coalition. It is possible that after the Naloxone wears off the overdose could recur. The Coalition notes that it is important someone stays with the person and calls 911 whenever Naloxone is administered.

While Naloxone is not a solution for the opioid epidemic, Gov. Steve Bullock describes the drug as one piece of the puzzle to give someone a second chance at life.

“Nationwide and in Montana too many of our fellow friends, neighbors and family members have been personally affected by this invisible epidemic and too many lives have sadly ended abruptly,” Bullock said in a press release. “While we may not have all the solutions, we do know that by working together we can make significant progress.”