As opioid and fentanyl-related overdoses have increased regionally, organizations including the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare are working to make the opioid reversal drug Naloxone accessible to more people.
In Idaho, approximately 44% of opioid deaths in 2021 involved synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, according to the state department of health. That jumped from 21% in 2020, and 12% in 2019. Fentanyl is a particular risk because of its potency. It is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Nez Perce County coroner Josh Hall said he’s also seen that increase in fentanyl locally over the past three years. Caitlin Rusche is a health education specialist for Public Health – Idaho North Central District, and teaches classes on Naloxone administration. Naloxone comes in a nasal spray that’s easily administered and can save lives, Rusche said. What’s important is to call 911 after it’s used.
In Idaho, anyone can get Naloxone for free and without a prescription from sources including the North Idaho AIDS Coalition, Idaho Harm Reduction Project, and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for organizations. Other local nonprofits including the Latah Recovery Center also provide Naloxone for free as part of their harm reduction services. Naloxone is also available without a prescription in Washington, and is covered by Medicaid. It is also offered for free at some locations.
For an interactive map for where to find Naloxone, you can click here. (Lewiston Tribune)
