The opioid abuse treatment Narcan is used to counteract opioid overdoses and treat opioid abuse.
"Those that overdose are going to be able to get a second chance, if and when this is available where they are at," said Congressman Salud Carbajal – who represents parts of the Tri-Counties.
Carbajal had urged the FDA to approve the product for sale without a prescription – and says the move will save lives.
"Making Narcan available over the counter will save lives," he told KCLU.
He said he will work with local partners to get Narcan on the shelves on the Central and South coast as soon as possible.
Also, beginning this week, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a free Narcan Distribution Program in reaction to the escalating situation of fentanyl deaths, through the Department of Health Care Services, Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) at the following locations:
- Sheriff’s Headquarters (4434 Calle Real, Santa Barbara)
- Carpinteria substation (5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria)
- Santa Maria substation (812 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria)
