Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have released a new issue brief addressing the ongoing drug-related overdose epidemic in the United States. The report, titled "Help save lives—prescribe and distribute naloxone," aims to promote greater urgency among healthcare professionals to prescribe and distribute naloxone, a medication known for reversing opioid overdoses.

According to recent data, more than 109,000 Americans died from drug-related overdoses in 2023, with most cases linked to illegally manufactured fentanyl. While there has been a slight decline in fatalities due to increased access to naloxone and medications for opioid use disorder, overdose deaths still claim over 80,000 lives annually.

The issue brief outlines several recommendations to improve access to naloxone. These include expanding its distribution in emergency departments and clarifying that prescribing naloxone does not increase liability risk for physicians. The document also highlights an ongoing shortage of community-based naloxone, emphasizing the need for broader availability.

"Naloxone is proven to help prevent an opioid-related overdose, but only if it is administered in time," states the issue brief.

Healthcare professionals with questions are encouraged to contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.