DO BEARS COME IN THE MAIL? –
March 4, 2021 – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a statewide standing order for free naloxone to help curb out the mortality rate from opioid overdoses. California colleges and universities are able to qualify to receive naloxone for distribution after completing an online application process for CDPH. The bill’s fact sheet explains that the CDPH program, “Is open to any community organization or entity in California that can provide naloxone to those at risk of overdose.” Additionally, instructional videos are provided by CDPH on how to properly administer the naloxone. As part of SB 367, campus orientation materials will be required to provide the educational information to teach how to properly administer the naloxone.
Passing of this bill will ensure that the number of individuals properly trained to assist someone experiencing an overdose will be expanded. Executive Director and Co-Founder of A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing) Gretchen Burns Bergman says, “As a mother of two sons who had struggled with opioid addiction, I feel it is my right and responsibility to have naloxone in my medicine cabinet. We know that there is drug use happening on college campuses, so students and faculty should be prepared to save the life of a friend at risk. Doesn’t it make more sense to carry naloxone than to deal emotionally with tragic and unnecessary loss?”
If SB 367 is to pass, it will at least be giving college students the knowledge of knowing there is naloxone easily and readily available for them to use. “As an advocate to the recovery community, and an everyday advocate to basic human rights, I think it is only logical to give the youth the ability to choose how they live in the world around them. Giving people options to resources and avenues of support will build community and connection for everyone involved,” says Young People in Recovery Chapter Coordinator Jessica Saldana. The importance of giving youth options to resources is critical.
It cannot be understated that what SB 367 will require will surely be life changing for many people. Additionally, it could start the progression of ultimately having naloxone be available in most public places for people to use in case of an emergency. This will be a huge step to help stop the continued rise of opioid overdose deaths in California.
