By Bob Katzen
The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment increasing funding by $655,553 (from $644,447 to $1,300,000) for the distribution of Narcan to cities and towns and community organizations. Narcan is the brand name for a life-saving overdose-reversal drug.
“If we have learned anything from the past 25 years of this opioid epidemic, it’s that Narcan saves lives,” said amendment sponsor Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield). “Just last year, 9,000 overdoses were successfully reversed from Narcan. It is critical that as the demand for Narcan increases and as our drug supply becomes more deadly – that we as a Legislature provide .. Adequate funding to keep pace with the needs of our communities and most importantly keep people alive. The unfortunate truth is you cannot treat someone who is dead.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the $655,553.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes