More than 4,500 sets of the overdose reversal drug naloxone, better known as Narcan, should be available across the state next month.
Joe Harding, director the state Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services, said the kits and training for about 100 people, were paid for by a $450,000 federal grant.
The kits, which will be distributed to 11 of the state's 13 community health centers, include two doses of medication, the nasal applicator and a pair of gloves, which are packaged in a bag with instructions printed on it, Harding said.
Emergency medical services personnel will train center staff, who will then be able to instruct members of the public how to administer the life-saving drug.
Harding said the training is simple. It includes, "How you put the kit together and how it’s administered," he said. "And that you would want to put the gloves on that you would want to check for breathing."
In June Gov. Maggie Hassan signed into law a bill that expands greater access to police officers and drug users and their family and friends.
The state’s Board of Pharmacy and Board of Medicine have also sent out guidelines on how to prescribe the drug, but both boards say getting the word out will take some time. Currently nearly all Rite Aids and CVS’s in the state are now carrying Narcan.
Michael Dupuis, executive director at the N.H. Board of Pharmacy, said he is part of a team that is also working to fine tune a standing order that is included in the law. Under a standing order, those in need of Narcan will be able to go to local pharmacies and get the medication without a prescription.
The governor is expected to give an update on the Narcan rollout at a press conference next week.
