Lawmakers and clinicians call for wider naloxone access, distribution to schools and first responders

Members of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and witnesses said expanding naloxone access and training remains a top-priority, describing overdose reversal medication as a key, immediate life-saving tool.

"We must continue to expand the availability of overdose reversal treatments like naloxone, removing the stigma associated with carrying it and making it as common as a fire extinguisher. Every school in America should have access to naloxone," one member said during opening remarks. Witnesses and multiple members reiterated that naloxone should be widely available to first responders, in schools and in community settings.

Sheriff Michael Bouchard described equipping patrol cars and jail programs with naloxone and newer opioid antagonists after testing showed some overdoses require multiple doses to reverse: "...sometimes it takes 3, 4, and 5 doses." Dr. Timothy Westlake, an emergency physician, described using naloxone within minutes to reverse a life-threatening fentanyl poisoning during a recent night shift, saying the patient was "wide awake" within a minute.

Members praised the Food and Drug Administration decision to make naloxone available over the counter and asked how to reduce barriers to distribution. Witnesses recommended continued clinician prescribing after nonfatal overdoses, public education to destigmatize carriage and use, and targeted outreach so schools and community organizations can store and deploy naloxone. Several witnesses urged that naloxone be included in public settings where fire extinguishers are present.

Ending: While witnesses and members described naloxone as essential, they also emphasized that widespread naloxone does not replace primary prevention, treatment access or interdiction of illicit supply.