Drug overdose deaths are at a record high. Here's what the White House plans to do

In its first detailed plan to slow the rise in drug overdose deaths, the Biden administration is emphasizing harm reduction.

That means increasing access to clean needles, fentanyl test strips and naloxone. Clean needles help reduce the spread of disease. Fentanyl test strips enable drug users to check if they are about to consume this powerful opioid that can shut down breathing in seconds. Naloxone is a drug that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

“The most important action we can take to save lives, right now, is to have naloxone in the hands of everyone who needs it without fear or judgment,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.