The House gave preliminary approval to a billthat would give Arizona first responders access to a lifesaving medicine. The drug is used to reverse heroin and prescription opiate overdoses.
Some emergency medical personnel already use Naloxone. This bill would expand the ability to use the drug to all law enforcement.
Haley Coles is a founder of Sonoran Prevention Works. The harm reduction organization supports the legislation but claims it doesn’t go far enough.
“I think in our state only expanding protections for law enforcement to administer Naloxone would leave behind rural communities where first responders may not show up in time," Coles said. "And other groups who might not call 911 for fear of being arrested for drug possession.”
Coles said for drug users to reach out to law enforcement for help in overdose situations, the state needs a Good Samaritan law protecting the overdose victim from prosecution.
The next step for the bill is a formal House vote.
