Utah Naloxone and law enforcement reach milestone in preventing overdose deaths

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Naloxone reports over 600 lives in Utah have been saved thanks to law enforcement’s use of naloxone (Narcan®). Naloxone is a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.

According to a press release, this is a milestone for the organization and its law enforcement partners.

The most recent report of naloxone use reversing an overdose comes from the Salt Lake City Police Department. The press release states, the department has the most reported reversals statewide since Utah naloxone laws were passed in 2014. Along with this, SLCPD was one of the first agencies in the state to equip officers with the medication.

“[Utah Naloxone is] so proud of and grateful for [SLCPD’s] efforts as well as for the efforts of all who are prepared and ready to save a life should there be an opioid overdose around them,” the press release states.

U.S. overdose death rates at an all-time high

According to the press release, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released data showing more overdose deaths in the US than ever before. 

Along with this, Utah Naloxone says overdose remains the leading cause of injury death in the Beehive State. According to the press release, there is a 30% increase in overdose deaths nationally.

Despite the milestone, Utah Naloxone says there is still work to be done.

“Anywhere there are opioids (pain pills, heroin, fentanyl), there should be naloxone,” the press release states.

Free naloxone kits and training are available through Utah Naloxone. It is legal in Utah to possess naloxone and to administer it in the case of a potential overdose.

Find more information on Utah Naloxone here.

Resources for those suffering from addiction

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• AA Utah
• LDS Addiction Recovery Program

Further reading: Utah officials decry the dangers of new “rainbow” fentanyl

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