ROCHESTER, Minn. 鈥� An interactive digital map will help Minnesota residents find opioid overdose antidotes near them.
The Minnesota Department of Health launched the digital map as part of an effort to reduce opioid overdoses, and encourage people to carry the drug if they or someone near them is struggling with opioid use disorder.
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鈥淔or years we have prioritized increasing access, training, and awareness of naloxone in the state, and this new tool is an exciting step forward,鈥� Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said in a Wednesday, Feb. 23, news release. 鈥淯sing this tool can simplify the process of accessing naloxone and, in turn, save lives. We want everyone to remember that 鈥� if needed 鈥� they can be the one to provide rescue steps before 911 in an overdose emergency.鈥�
According to the naloxone, offered as an injection or nasal spray, "can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose." The drug, also known by the trade name Narcan, does not affect someone without opioids in their system.
Residents can find directions to pharmacies and clinics offering free naloxone without a prescription when they access the state . The web page asks for a zip code or address, then a range in miles the resident is willing to travel for the drug.
The digital tool provides contact information, address and other guidance so users can confirm that naloxone is currently available. Since the map鈥檚 launch in December, more than 4,600 visitors have accessed it according to health officials.
The Minnesota Legislature in 2014 passed Steve's Law, a Good Samaritan law a "person who is not a health care professional who acts in good faith in administering an opiate antagonist to another person whom the person believes in good faith to be suffering a drug overdose is immune from criminal prosecution for the act and is not liable for any civil damages for acts or omissions resulting from the act."
Users can learn more about naloxone on the .
