Drug Overdose

Suffolk County officials have unveiled a new tool in the fight against drug overdoses — a handheld device that can identify over 500 substances, including fentanyl.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) urged House Republicans to take up the National Security Act, which passed the Senate last month but is stalled in the House. The package includes legislation that aims to curb fentanyl trafficking and opioid overdose deaths in the U.S.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney backs the bills to crack down on the fentanyl overdose epidemic. The bipartisan package would allow police to charge drug dealers with manslaughter.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has introduced a bill to combat fentanyl overdose deaths. The bill would force President Joe Biden to declare international fentanyl trafficking a national emergency, and strengthen sanctions on traffickers.

In southeastern Connecticut, Naloxone continues to be distributed for free by local health districts and departments due to increased opioid overdoses in the region.

The FDA approved over-the-counter sales of the overdose-reversing drug, but 28 towns in Connecticut don’t have a store with a permit to sell it.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is calling on Emergent BioSolutions to lower nasal Narcan prices. The FDA authorized over-the-counter sale of the drug last week.

After multiple overdose deaths in 2021, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital is collaborating with local businesses to launch Narcan rescue stations on the East End.

Despite a recommendation from New York’s Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board, Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has announced it will not be funding overdose prevention centers.

The latest data from the state Department of Public Health indicates a spike in fentanyl use is contributing to the rising number of fatal overdoses.