INDIANAPOLIS — Use of naloxone, the fast-acting antidote for opiate overdoses, is way up in Indiana in 2020.
Dr. Jennifer Sullivan of the Indiana Family and Social Services said more naloxone was used in April 2020 than in any previous month in state history. She said the drug was used 1,306 times in April.
Sullivan said About 1.5% of all EMS runs in the state now involve naloxone. At this time last year, that number was 1%
“We know that naloxone is the only tool that provides individuals with opiate use disorder another chance at recovery," Sullivan said. "We have not forgotten about these Hoosiers. The epidemic of substance abuse disorder is one of our pillars.”
Sullivan said the state is providing $1 million to fund naloxone kits go directly to the public. First responders can already get free naloxone through health departments.
