The City of Austin is working to expand its supply of overdose response kits amid a growing opioid overdose epidemic. The kits will be distributed to city departments, community organizations, and businesses across the area.
“Addressing this public health crisis in our community is an all-hands-on-deck effort with federal resources needed to support local efforts. Too many lives are being lost. By securing a direct appropriation of $2 million to help Austin Public Health and its local partners do more to educate and prevent opioid abuse, I hope we can engage more of our neighbors in recognizing the signs of an overdose and how to safely administer a response kit,” said Congressman Lloyd Doggett.
The overdose response kits include naloxone, a drug that can be used to reverse an overdose from opioids including fentanyl. The kits also include a face mask used for administering rescue breathing/CPR, gloves, and information on how to use naloxone and community resources.
“These kits are lifesaving tools that will save family members and friends from the heartbreak that all too many of us know,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “Anyone can be a victim of an overdose. It’s important that we all take time to recognize the signs and get help for those who need it.”
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services has been purchasing and distributing naloxone kits for years, and new funding will allow for the purchase of 7,500 additional naloxone kits (15,000 individual doses), as well as expansion of their “Breathe Now” training program. The brainchild of ATCEMS Assistant Chief Steve White, “Breathe Now” is a short class that teaches individuals how to recognize an opioid overdose, administer naloxone, and care for overdose victims until first responders arrive.
“The support and funding provided by the SAMHSA grant and settlement funding will go a long way in helping us expand this important public education initiative,” said Chief White. “We know that naloxone saves lives, and we proved it a few weeks ago when we were able to curb a deadly overdose surge by flooding the city with naloxone. Our goal is to see naloxone available throughout the community, and for everyone in Austin to know how to use it.”
