Naloxone kits to be available soon

WASILLA — Last week, Gov. Bill Walker's established a statewide Overdose Response Team under state Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jay Butler. Walker's signing a disaster declaration, similar to those issued because of floods, wildfires and earthquakes, allows the issue to take top priority. It also provided a backdrop to unveil the state's naloxone distribution program — Project HOPE.

"This declaration of disaster is a different kind than in the past," said Walker at his press conference where he signed the declaration...(but one ) that is very, very appropriate."

Walker said he felt a much more aggressive approach to battling what has become an epidemic in the state was warranted. He reflected on the losses caused by the addiction and overdose problem and its far-reaching effects — not only on those who use and suffer from addiction, but the community at large. Walker said the general public is affected through the huge amount of property and person crimes attributed to drug use. In affixing his signature to the administrative order, Walker permitted the state to seek any and all available grant funds to assist in the effort.

"This will take more than legislation," Walker said. "It touches everybody… I don't think there's anything that can be done that we're not doing."

Butler followed up Walker's comments, noting that the number of opioid-related deaths in Alaska have quadrupled in the past 10 years. Butler said much that is related to the marked nationwide increase in use and availability of prescription opioids. Butler said that over the last five years, heroin use became much more widespread and available. Butler said the cheapness and availability of the drug fentanyl is now becoming a nationwide problem.

Fentanyl, which can look like heroin, is a powerful synthetic painkiller on its own. It can also be laced or cut into heroin. At up to 50 times heroin's strength and 100 times more potent than morphine, it is increasingly the cause of overdose deaths nationwide. Butler said his office is working with partners around the state to engage in Project HOPE.

"It's not a cure-all; it's like a tourniquet," said Butler. "It saves a life but doesn't cure addiction... It is going to take all of us. "

Project HOPE

Project HOPE (Harm-reduction and Overdose Prevention and Education ) is geared to provide Alaskans with information and resources to help battle the state's growing and burdensome opioid drug crisis. A big part of that is the soon-to-be distributed Narcan (naloxone) kits. Andy Jones, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services' section chief, is overseeing its distribution.

Jones explained the state was able to secure a five-year federal overdose prevention grant. With those funds, Alaska purchased 5,000 doses of Narcan inhalers. State Senate Bill 23 removed civil liability barriers to access naloxone and with that, Jones is in high gear to get the drug out to those who need it.

Several weeks ago, he secured the first round of Narcan, the brand name for naloxone. With volunteer help, approximately 1,500 kits were assembled at MyHouse in Wasilla. The kits contain, two doses of the drug, instructions, and safety-related materials. With the kits ready for distribution, Jones has been meeting with various groups and agencies where the drug will be available.

Jones said he plans to be the middleman in Narcan distribution. In order to receive the drug, providers must have an approximate one-hour training session on how and when to use the drug and what to expect after administering it. Naloxone is not a controlled substance, is not addictive, and has no effect if mistakenly administered to someone not experiencing an overdose. He is currently working with local clinics, treatment facilities and similar institutions. By today, Jones said he was hoping the drug would be available at some locations.

Once those places receive the drug and training, each can in turn, offer that training to the general public. Once training is obtained at the individual level, the drug can be doled out for public consumption.

Project HOPE is just a section of the state's heroin and opioid battle plan. It's goal is to educate Alaskans on opioid drug prevention, reducing addiction by recognizing and treating the issue, and reversing the life-threatening effects of overdose.

"Our goal is building up a capability and the resources that can be customized to individual needs," Jones said.

Jones said the state’s main web page at dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Director/Pages/heroin-opioids/default.aspx has a link for Narcan general availability. He said that link will be updated as quickly and often as necessary as Project HOPE continues to roll out.

Contact reporter Chris Ford at 352-2270 or chris.ford@frontiersman.com