An effort to destigmatize the use of overdose reversal drugs that started as a pilot in two West Virginia counties has expanded to all 13 states in Appalachia this year, including Georgia.
The first-ever “Appalachian Save a Life Day” comes Thursday, on the heels of the approval of Narcan as a drug that can be purchased over the counter for nonprescription use — a long-awaited victory towards normalizing and improving access to the decades-old, live-saving medication.
More than 30,000 doses of naxolone, or Narcan, are being distributed in 13 states. Community organizations will then offer the drug for free at convenient locations like fast food restaurants, Walmarts, health departments, churches, convenience stores and fire departments.
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