Governor Pence Signs Overdose Intervention Drugs Legislation

Press Release

Today, Governor Mike Pence signed SEA 406, which allows individuals to obtain and administer overdose intervention drugs, known as Nalaxone or Narcan, to save individuals who have overdosed on opioids, including heroin. Currently, only health professionals have the ability to administer this drug. The legislation passed with unanimous and bipartisan support in both the Indiana House and Senate.

"With the rise of heroin addiction across our state, this important legislation will make available overdose intervention treatments and will save lives in Indiana," said Governor Pence. "Families, friends and loved ones struggling with the scourge of opioid addiction will now have access to life-saving medications that work immediately when administered and will help prevent the heartbreaking loss of life we hear about too often in the case of drug overdoses. This bill is about saving Hoosier lives, and I applaud the leadership of Senator Jim Merritt who authored the bill and the bipartisan support of the Indiana General Assembly in bringing this legislation to my desk."

Data suggests that individuals whose lives are spared by overdose intervention drugs are more likely to seek treatment for their addiction.

"The signing of this bill will save Hoosier lives," said Dr. Jerome Adams, Commissioner of the Indiana State Department of Health. "Many overdoses happen in the presence of others, and readily available naloxone is a proven method for bystanders and loved ones provide rescue assistance. While we diligently work to make headway on our state and nation's opioid abuse epidemic, this bill will help keep Hoosiers alive in order to facilitate seeking treatment and again become healthy and productive members of society."

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