Governor Kathy Hochul just signed a new law that requires public colleges in New York State to carry Narcan.
The bill was signed Monday and requires the Narcan to be available in college’s housing facilities.
Narcan, or Naloxone, are medications inserted nasally that reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. These medications save people’s lives.
What colleges will have Narcan and what will it look like?
All SUNY and CUNY colleges will have this medication on hand, and resident assistants and other employees will be trained on how to use it.
“By signing this legislation, lifesaving overdose prevention medicine will be required in SUNY and CUNY campus housing, as well as trained staff on-site – leading to faster response times and helping prevent needless tragedies,” Hochul said.
“My Administration will continue to work every day to fight the opioid epidemic and provide New Yorkers with further access to lifesaving resources, services, and care.”
Hochul signed the bill as the state continues to battle an ongoing opioid epidemic.
More people are now dying from overdoses than they are from gun murders and car accidents. It is the leading cause of death for people under the age of 50.
Last year an estimated 64,000 died of an overdose nationally.
In 2019, New York State had around 2,900 overdose deaths.
The law had the support of State Senator Michelle Hinchey, who said she was proud to sponsor this bill.
According to My Twin Tiers, the signing of the law comes on the heels of Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is a drug abuse prevention program that helps teach youth about the dangers of drugs. It also promotes drug prevention activities.
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