Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf’s administration has announced that it will provide free Naloxone to Pennsylvania airports as part of an ongoing effort to reduce incidences of opioid overdoses.
The Naloxone will be stored with defibrillators and first aid kits – the administration also suggested that all airport personnel be trained to both carry and administer the medication. The drug, which is commonly used to treat reduced breathing during an opioid overdose, will also be distributed to airport public safety teams, including police, fire and emergency medical services.
“A key component to decreasing the number of overdose deaths in Pennsylvania is widely distributing naloxone in communities and public venues,” said Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs secretary Jennifer Smith. “When dealing with an epidemic like the opioid crisis, life-saving medication should be a part of every first aid kit and readily available.”
The Wolf Administration has increased federal funding for the distribution of Naloxone to US$5.4m. The airports involved in the program are Philadelphia International, Pittsburgh International, Williamsport Regional, Wilkes-Barre Scranton International, University Park and Lancaster.