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COSAM Supports Expanded Access to Naloxone in Schools
On March 20, the Colorado Society of Addiction Medicine (COSAM) sent a letter of support for HB25-1293 to members of the House Committee on Education. HB25-1293 would enhance the availability of opioid antagonists, like naloxone, in schools.
In the letter, COSAM characterized HB25-1293 as a positive step towards embracing a comprehensive approach to the overdose crisis. Naloxone is a safe and effective opioid antagonist, capable of reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. As such, naloxone is an essential tool to reduce overdose deaths. Additionally, COSAM noted that younger people have faced significant negative effects from the overdose epidemic. The number of adolescent overdose deaths have increased in recent years, but naloxone is only used in 33% of cases. In turn, COSAM praised HB25-1293 as an important measure to enhance naloxone access and awareness in schools and reduce opioid overdose deaths.