ASA Endorses Legislation to Expand Access to Opioid Overdose Reversal Medication

ASA has formally endorsed H.R. 5625, the Fentanyl Awareness for Children and Teens in Schools (FACTS) Act introduced by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01). This bill would address the opioid crisis by making naloxone available in school settings.

ASA has also endorsed H.R. 5420, the Workplace Overdose Reversal Kits (WORK) to Save Lives Act introduced by Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL-05) and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12). The legislation’s Senate companion, S. 2948, was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The WORK to Save Lives Act would require opioid overdose reversal medications to be in federal buildings and create non-mandatory guidance for private employers on how to obtain these medications; both important measures to reduce opioid overdose fatalities.

ASA commends these efforts in Congress to increase the availability of naloxone and urges Congress to advance this legislation.