HAUPPAUGE, NY – At the General Legislature Meeting on Tuesday, October 3, the members of the Suffolk County Legislature unanimously approved Introductory Resolution 1679, sponsored by Legislator Sarah Anker. The resolution is a local law to ensure access to Naloxone, a medication that reverses the effects of drug overdose, at substance abuse and mental health service providers. The new law will make Suffolk County grants, contracts, and funding to mental health and substance abuser service providers contingent on the availability of Naloxone on premises at all times and having staff trained in the administration of Naloxone on site during business hours.
“This vital legislation will help save lives and provide a second chance to those struggling with addiction,” said Legislator Anker. “I will continue to support treatment options and rehabilitation assistance to those suffering from addiction, and I greatly appreciate the many agencies the county contracts with that will have Naloxone on hand to provide this life-saving treatment if needed.”
Naloxone, common brand name Narcan, is a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially in the case of an overdose. The new law will affect 38 mental health and substance abuse service providers in Suffolk County, including 18 NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) providers and 20 NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) providers. OASAS currently requires all certified providers to have onsite staff trained in the administration of Naloxone.
For more information about the legislation, please contact Legislator Anker’s office at 631-854-1600.
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