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DHSS Press Release

Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Pager 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Date: July 14, 2017
DHSS-07-2017

MEDIA ADVISORY: REDUCING OVERDOSE DEATHS: GOVERNOR CARNEY TO SIGN SENATE BILL 48 (NALOXONE ACCESS BILL)

WHO: The Honorable John C. Carney, Governor The Honorable David Bentz, Representative, Delaware General Assembly Kara Odom Walker, MD, MPH, MSHS, Secretary, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Karyl T. Rattay, MD, MS, Director, Division of Public Health (DPH) and Chair, Prescription Drug Advisory Committee (PDAC) Dave Humes, director and board member, atTAcK addiction Mark Bastarache, Region Manager, CVS Pharmacy
WHAT: Governor Carney will sign Senate Bill 48, which increases pharmacy access to naloxone. Naloxone is an antidote for those suffering from opioid overdoses. Within three to five minutes after administration, naloxone counteracts the life-threatening respiratory depression and restores breathing. Naloxone can provide an opportunity for the person overdosing to get medical assistance, recover from the overdose and seek treatment for their addiction. Naloxone use in response to overdoses is increasing with 1,535 administrations across the state in 2016 and 866 administrations in the first half of 2017.
WHY: The bill expands access to naloxone by ensuring pharmacists may dispense responsibly without legal liability. In 2016, 308 people died from overdoses in Delaware, compared to 228 overdose deaths reported in 2015.
WHEN: Thursday, July 20, 2017, 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: CVS store pharmacy 988 Forrest Ave. Dover, DE 19901
PHOTOS: Bill signing, Narcan nasal spray kit on display, pharmacist
QUESTIONS: 302-744-4704

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

MEDIA ADVISORY: REDUCING OVERDOSE DEATHS: GOVERNOR CARNEY TO SIGN SENATE BILL 48 (NALOXONE ACCESS BILL)

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