It's Time to Take Action Against Unnecessary Drug-related Deaths

Every day in Australia one person dies from a heroin overdose.

Australia's first drug overdose management program has recently been developed and implemented in the ACT, providing life saving prescription medication to potential heroin overdose victims. This groundbreaking scheme also offers education, training and resources for users, their friends and families.

This vital medication, known as Naloxone (tradename Narcan), is widely used by paramedics and hospital emergency staff in cases of suspected overdose, drastically reducing the effect of heroin and other opioids.

For more than a decade, debate has raged as to whether or not Naloxone should be made available across the counter in pharmacies. It is time for steps to be taken to make this idea a reality.

Beyond the ACT, regulatory barriers in Australia need to be removed to allow non medical personnel access to Naloxone. This will ensure that friends and family are able to help overdosing loved ones, rather than suffer the horrific experience of standing by, powerless. It is vital that needle and syringe program personnel, including Youth Projects' own Foot Patrollers, have Naloxone on hand.

The purpose of expanding Naloxone availability is to further reduce and prevent death, disability and injury from heroin overdose.

Let's change it.