State health officials in Vermont are increasing access to a drug that treats opioid overdoses.
The state Department of Health wants to get more of the drug naloxone out to addicts and injection users, as well as to their friends and families.
Health Commissioner Dr. Harry Chen told Vermont Public Radio the moments immediately following an overdose can be the difference between life and death and naloxone can save lives.
The drug is administered as a nasal spray. Chen says screenings aren't required to receive the overdose prevention kits.
There were 10 opioid overdoses — one fatal — in Vermont last weekend.
A 2013 state survey found that 2 percent of Vermont students reported they had tried heroin.
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