DOVER, Del., June 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the Delaware House of Representatives took the final step in creating expanded Naloxone access. Naloxone, approved by the FDA since 1971, is an anti-opioid medication that reverses the effects of heroin so that a life may be saved and treatment may be sought. With the signature of SB 219 by Governor Markell, Delaware is the 24th state that will provide expanded access to this life saving medication. The legislation provides for the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services to regulate lifesaving medication. There were 140 suspected overdose deaths in the state in 2013, according to the state Medical Examiner's Office.
Shatterproof, a national organization committed to protecting our children from addiction to alcohol or other drugs and ending the stigma and suffering of those affected by this disease, and atTAcK addiction, an 'action group' in Delaware working towards breaking down the stigma of addiction, worked together to pass this life saving legislation.
It goes hand in hand with Delaware's previously enacted "Kristen L. Jackson and John M. Perkins Jr. Law", the 911 Good Samaritan Law enacted last year. That law provides that someone who seeks medical attention for an overdose or life threatening emergency, including for him or herself, will not be arrested or prosecuted for crimes detailed in the law.
"We have walked the road of inactivity far too long in dealing with the substance abuse issue. I am pleased that the Delaware legislators have taken a step in the right direction and acted on the Naloxone legislation. This bill will save lives and assist families in their fight to beat addiction. No one should have to watch their child die when Naloxone could give them another chance," said Don Keister, one of the founders of atTAck addiction, who lost his son, Tyler, to a drug overdose in 2012.
"We are very hopeful that the passage of this legislation will help push other states forward until all 50 states have wide access to Naloxone. Shatterproof is committed to seeing this happen and will keep vigilant until that is a reality," said Gary Mendell, founder and CEO of Shatterproof, who lost his son, Brian, to addiction in 2011.
About Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national organization committed to protecting our children from addiction to alcohol or other drugs and ending the stigma and suffering of those affected by this disease. Gary Mendell, a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, founded Shatterproof to educate, empower and equip families, educators, health care providers, legislators and others to address addiction on a national scale. For more information about Shatterproof, please visit www.shatterproof.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ShatterproofHQ.
About atTAck addiction
atTAcK addiction is a grass root group located in Bear, DE. It was founded by Jeanne and Don Keister after the loss of their son Tyler. It is an open group with the goal of ending the stigma, prevention, education and treatment. For more information about atTAcK addiction, please visit http://www.attackaddiction.com/, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @Tylers_atTAcK
Media Contact: Holly Jespersen
Telephone: 203.849.2189
E-mail: hjespersen@shatterproof.org
Logo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140619/119595
SOURCE Shatterproof
