As part of a multi-edition effort to highlight compelling, fair, and informative local television news reporting, here are two must-watch segments on expanding access to Narcan, a life-saving drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. As Mills Hayes reported for Fox News, just last week, “The FDA approved the Narcan nasal spray for over-the-counter sales. Doctors and first responders say making this opioid reversal drug more available could help lower the number of people dying from overdoses.”
- “Narcan To Be Provided At All LAUSD Schools After Recent Teen Overdoses.” For ABC7 in Los Angeles, Rob Hayes reported on Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s announcement that “every classroom from K through 12 will now be stocked with Narcan, an opioid overdose drug that can literally be the difference between life and death.” Carvalho’s new plan follows the overdose death on campus of a 15-year-old sophomore at an area high school. Hayes added that four other students recently overdosed on similar drugs near the high school, but received the right medical care and survived. Carvalho said: “We are experiencing a devastating epidemic… this is a safe solution.”
- “NYC Bars Stocking Up On Opioid Overdose Rescue Kits.” For CBS2 in New York, Zinnia Maldonado reported on NYC’s “Narcan behind every bar program, a city program that puts free Narcan, a treatment that reverses the effects of an overdose, in the hands of bar employees [who are] trained by the Department of Public Health on how to administer the life-saving medication.” Maldonado also interviewed Meghan Joye, a neighborhood bar owner who explained why her business is participating in the program: “We are part of the community and we want to keep our patrons safe.”