With drug overdose deaths decreasing nationwide for the first time in years, new research may shed light on one key reason. A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that from June 2020 to June 2022, there was a 43.5% increase in bystanders stepping in to give naloxone—a life-saving drug that reverses opioid overdoses—before emergency medical services (EMS) arrived. During that same period, EMS-documented naloxone administration actually dropped by more than 6%.
“Early administration is critical in many cases, as evidenced by one study, which found layperson intervention preceded EMS by five minutes or more in 59.5% of cases,” researchers wrote.
As Emily’s Hope previously reported, the Food and Drug Administration approved over-the-counter sales of Narcan (naloxone) in March 2023, with sales starting that fall.
The FDA also approved a second drug, RiVive, to be sold without a prescription.
“As the landscape of opioid misuse continues to shift, our research underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that not only increase naloxone availability but also address current barriers to its use, maximizing its potential to save lives amid an ongoing opioid epidemic,” researchers wrote.
In line with this effort, Emily’s Hope was recently recognized by the White House for its role in expanding access to overdose reversal medications like Narcan. The nonprofit has placed free Narcan boxes in key locations across Sioux Falls, including Falls Community Health, the Jones421 Market, and both Tires Tires Tires locations.