The State of Indiana is funding nearly $1 million to distribute naloxone to Hoosiers who are at-risk of overdose. Funding is made available by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s state opioid response grant.
Overdose Lifeline, Inc. will distribute 25,000 doses of naloxone to first responders, families, friends and others who are likely the first on the scene of an overdose. Naloxone blocks the toxic effects of the overdose.
Local health departments registered with the Indiana State Department of Health to dispense naloxone may be experiencing limited access to resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic as most of the funds are devoted to the public health emergency. Overdose Lifeline, Inc. will help make the supply available.
Indiana’s emergency medical responders will be reimbursed in full through the state’s Medicaid program when they administer naloxone. The change in payment policy will be effective July 1, and was made in consultation the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Indiana will become one of the first states to pay EMS providers for both the administration of the drug and the medication itself.
First responders, families, caregivers and other individuals who would like to receive a supply of naloxone can register online at www.overdoselifeline.org/2020-indiana-naloxone-request.
