AUGUSTA - Last week, the Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously to advance a measure from Rep. Margaret Craven, D-Lewiston, that would expand public access to naloxone hydrochloride, also known by the brand name Narcan.
"Passing this bill is going to save lives," said Craven. "Making Narcan publicly accessible greatly increases the chances for someone to help a person experiencing an overdose and thus give them the chance to seek recovery."
LD 600 amends current law regarding community distribution of Narcan to clarify that an overdose prevention program can, with the express authority of a municipality, place and maintain a naloxone kit in public places such as a public library, municipal building or public park.
The measure also adds a provision granting immunity to the municipality or overdose prevention program from criminal and civil liability for providing or maintaining naloxone containers.
The bill faces further votes in both the House and Senate.
Craven is serving her sixth nonconsecutive term in the Maine House and previously served three terms in the Senate. She is a member of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee and represents part of Lewiston.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Craven], c. 305-965-2744