Governor Signs Bill to Increase Naloxone Access, Immunity

Gov. John Carney signed Senate Bill 147 on June 12, saying the bill that expands the list of first responders who are provided immunity for administering naloxone in suspected drug overdoses, takes a big step to "attack this scourge." The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Anthony Delcollo and Rep. Larry Mitchell, expands the definition of first responders to include police, firefighters, EMS personnel, lifeguards, park rangers, constables, security guards and other personnel charged with maintaining public safety and have the potentially life-saving "duty to respond."

In 2017, Delaware paramedics administered naloxone 2,714 times to 1,906 patients. "We know this medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses is crucial to saving lives," DHSS Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker said in acknowledging the work of Diane Hainsworth, director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services, which oversees the paramedic system in Delaware. Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, who chairs the Behavioral Health Consortium, said she is grateful that naloxone is so much more accessible today.

Joining the Governor for the bill signing were first responders from the Department of Correction, the Delaware State Police, a school nurse, and county paramedics — all of whom have saved lives by administering naloxone. Don Keister, founder of atTAcK addiction, said it is "imperative that all persons … have access to the antidote."

To read Senate Bill 147, the first bill that Sen. Delcollo has sponsored to be signed into law: legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail/26271

Posted by DelDHSS on 2018-06-13 14:56:51

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