Miami County is joining 22 other Indiana counties in a state program that distributes an overdose intervention drug to Hoosiers at no cost.
Through the program, the county health department will distribute Naloxone and provide education on administering the drug. The Miami County Commissioners approved the program unanimously Monday.
Previously, only first responders had access to the drug, but this new measure will expand access to the community. Miami County Commissioner Larry West says the opioid epidemic has hit the county hard and Naloxone provides an opportunity to both save and treat those affected.
"I think last year, there were 15 deaths in Miami County as a result of opiate overdose. And we certainly don't like losing folks when they can be saved," he says.
West says the program will go into effect later this year and will be paid for using a grant. The county will have to re-apply on a yearly basis.