Naloxone, often sold under the brand name Narcan, is seen as a major factor in declining drug overdose deaths. The White House says more companies are agreeing to make the medication available at work sites, in classrooms and at other locations where drug fatalities occur., universities, labor groups and other organizations have joined a national effort to reduce drug overdose deaths.
“From airlines to classrooms, from offices to sports arenas, we are grateful to have hundreds of voluntary commitments from organizations and businesses across the country,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, the Biden administration’s drug czar, in a statement Tuesday morning.According to the White House, Amazon will position naloxone medications at work sites that employ more than 500,000 workers.
White House domestic policy advisor Neera Tanden said in a statement the federal government hopes to see naloxone available in “as many homes, workplaces and communities as possible.” Naloxone is considered to be one possible cause, but researchers say they’re not yet sure why the hopeful shift is happening or how long it will last. Other factors may be the wider use of opioid treatment medications Suboxone and methadone and a reported disruption of the illicit street fentanyl supply in some parts of the U.S.