June 13, 2016
Police officers in the state of Pennsylvania have saved more than 1,000 victims of opioid overdoses, Governor Wolf announced Monday.
Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a life-saving medication that blocks the effects of opioids and was first used by the Delaware County Police Department in November 2014.
Gov. Wolf later made the medication available to state police in April 2015.
“Fighting Pennsylvania’s opioid and heroin epidemic is a top priority for my administration,” said Gov. Wolf. “Our effort to make naloxone available to first responders is a key part of our strategy, and it is paying dividends in lives saved. I am proud of the work of my administration, and I am proud to stand here today with the people who have made this life-saving work happen, most especially our police officers.”
Related: Camden police save 200th overdose victim using Narcan
Gov. Wolf on need for criminal justice reform: "We cannot arrest our way to a cure." pic.twitter.com/CqJQYjMFbv
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) June 13, 2016
Delaware County had the most saves in the state with 260, while Philadelphia had the third-most with 132.
More than 1,000 lives saved in PA by police departments administering overdose reversal drug Naloxone. pic.twitter.com/7SPm1gATrr
— Jason Addy (@jasonxaddy) June 13, 2016
In 2014, nearly 2,500 deaths were caused by overdose in the state, according to the Pennsylvania Coroners Association.
