NH To Hand Out Free Narcan To Prevent Overdose Deaths

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Thirteen health centers across the state can now hand out free kits of the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone as part of a statewide effort to combat an escalating drug abuse problem, state officials said Tuesday.

The state also announced a new public awareness campaign and an effort by the attorney general's office to investigate whether drug companies are deceptively marketing prescription drugs.

"This crisis did not emerge overnight," Gov. Maggie Hassan said. "In order to stem the tide and then reverse it, we must all work together every day."

More than 300 people died from drug overdoses in New Hampshire last year, and the state is on pace to reach or top that number in 2015. The new efforts align with legislative initiatives passed earlier this year, including a bill that allows doctors to prescribe naloxone — also known by its trade name Narcan — to people at risk of an overdose or their loved ones.

The state's federally-funded purchase of the 5,000 naloxone kits at a cost of $500,000 is a one-time effort, and officials are urging doctors to prescribe naloxone and pharmacies to stock it. People can obtain the naloxone at any community health center, which will provide a brief training session on how to administer the drug. A list of health centers that provide naloxone is available at drugfreenh.org.

Attorney General Joseph Foster announced his investigation into pharmaceutical companies for potentially deceptive marketing. He says preliminary findings show some drug companies downplay the addiction risks of certain drugs and exaggerate the drugs' effectiveness at managing pain. The overuse of prescription drugs can often lead to heroin use.

"Overprescribing of opioids has created a corresponding wave of abuse, diversion and addiction, with tragic results for individual patients, their loved ones and communities," Foster said in a statement.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association of America declined comment on the investigation, spokesman Mark Grayson said.

Hassan has called for a review of the protocols and guidelines for prescribing opioids and the state plans to start a new training program for doctors.

The state is also launching a new public awareness campaign called "Anyone, Anytime" that will share the stories of recovering addicts and inform people on treatment and recovery services. The campaign will cost $400,000 and include TV and radio ads and community forums.

Part of the campaign aims to raise awareness of the so-called "good Samaritan" law passed this year. Under the law, a person who calls to report an active drug overdose cannot be charged with possession of a controlled drug at the scene in certain circumstances.

There are exceptions. For example, a drug dealer or someone who commits a violent act while on drugs could be charged.

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