© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
An update has been released for the Android version of the WAMC App that addresses performance issues. Please check the Google Play Store to download and update to the latest version.

Congressman Neal Introduces Opioid Overdose Reduction Act

Jim Levulis
/
WAMC

Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal recently proposed legislation aimed at preventing prescription drug and heroin overdoses.The Opioid Overdose Reduction Act of 2015 would exempt medical and non-medical personnel from civil liability if they treat an overdose victim with Narcan, a drug used to counter the effects of opioids. Congressman Neal says there also needs to be a focus on long-term rehabilitation.

“We have to figure out where it’s not just that moment when they are brought back to life with a near-death experience but also to understand that while that [Narcan] needs to be available and accessible that that doesn’t address the whole problem of rehabilitation down the road,” said Neal.

Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey is co-sponsoring a companion bill in the Senate.

Jim is WAMC’s Associate News Director and hosts WAMC's flagship news programs: Midday Magazine, Northeast Report and Northeast Report Late Edition. Email: jlevulis@wamc.org
Related Content