COLUMBUS — Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is being made available in rest areas in Ohio.
“Increasing access to Naloxone is critical to combating the opioid crisis and decreasing the number of overdose deaths in Ohio,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement.
“By placing Naloxboxes in rest areas across the state we are providing more opportunities to reverse the deadly effects of illicit opioids and providing opportunities for Ohioans to choose recovery,” he said.
Narcan is a nasal spray that can be provided to someone suffering from an opioid overdose, blocking the deadly effects of opioids on the brain and restoring consciousness and breathing.
It is harmless if it is given to a person not experiencing an opioid overdose. More than 130 boxes with naloxone are being installed at 65 rest areas across the state.
Last year, unintentional drug overdoses in Ohio resulted in 4,915 deaths, according to the Ohio Department of Health. That is nearly four times greater than the 1,275 fatalities caused by motor vehicle crashes over the same period.
The common signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose include unresponsiveness, slow or no breathing, blue lips or fingernails, choking or coughing, cold or clammy skin, small pupils, and dizziness or disorientation.
Installation will continue throughout September. Ohioans can also order Naloxone to be delivered to their home at Naloxone.Ohio.gov.
First Published September 26, 2023, 4:43 p.m.
