WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Final approval for Walkinshaw bill to make emergency overdose medication available to all

OLYMPIA – The governor is set to sign a Rep. Brady Walkinshaw bill that will put life-saving heroin overdose medication in the hands of first responders, community providers, and family members and friends of users.

Opioid antagonists like naloxone — commonly known as brand name Narcan — save lives by reversing the effects of a heroin overdose. But under current law, access to heroin overdose drugs like Narcan is restricted to licensed health care professionals and those with prescriptions.

Walkinshaw’s (D – Seattle) bill allows pharmacists to provide Narcan to the people who have the best chance of saving heroin addicts — first responders, homeless shelters and family members.

“We have a life-saving tool at our disposal to save families from losing loved ones to increasing heroin addiction in our communities,” Walkinshaw said. “But we haven’t put that tool in the hands of those best prepared to save addicts – their friends and family. Shortly, this bill will save lives.”

Naloxone, developed as an opioid antagonist in the 1960s, has gained national attention as community and public advocates call for reducing the barriers for access to the drug for friends and family members of at-risk addicts, and other professionals in communities who frequently come in contact with overdoses.

“After tragically losing my daughter to a heroin overdose, I am very grateful that state lawmakers have taken this quick action which will save lives,” said Penny LeGate, former KIRO TV anchor turned advocate. LeGate was a strong advocate behind Walkinshaw’s legislation.

“Washington state should take pride in being an innovator when it comes to responding to the public health crisis of opiate overdoses,” said Mark Cooke, campaign policy director for the ACLU of Washington. “In 2010, Washington became only the second state to pass a 911 Good Samaritan law, which provides immunity from criminal drug possession charges to people who seek medical assistance in drug overdose situations. In the same spirit, HB 1671 enables more people to obtain the lifesaving drug naloxone.”

The bill will now be delivered to Governor Jay Inslee for a final signature.