Livestock officers are now carrying Narcan. The goal is to save lives in rural parts of Arizona.
Narcan is a drug that reverses opioid overdoses. First responders like EMTs and police officers often carry it.
“We’re hopeful that we’re extending the reach of this life-saving effort to help people,” said Mark Killian, head of Arizona’s Agriculture Department. “And hopefully they can get the corrective measures they need.”
Killian said this may be the first program of its kind in the nation. The livestock officers will use the nasal spray form of Narcan.
According to the CDC, rates of accidental death in rural areas is 50 percent higher than in urban parts of the country. That includes drug overdoses, falls, and car accidents.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The story has been updated to correct a statement by Mark Killian on whether or not this is the first program of its kind in the nation.
