Mississippi Law Enforcement and Mental Health Officials Partner To Save Lives

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is partnering with Mississippi Department of Public Safety Sworn Personnel to provide Naloxone, a life-saving medication that blocks or reverses effects of opioid overdoses. This effort was funded by the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grant, as part of the 21^st Century Cures Act and is consistent with the final recommendations made by the Governor’s Opioid and Heroin Study Task Force.

“I am grateful this partnership between the Mississippi Department of Mental Health and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety will allow sworn law enforcement personnel to carry this lifesaving drug”, said Governor Phil Bryant.   “We must employ every available resource to combat opioid overdoses in our state, and I appreciate these agencies’ cooperation to contribute to that effort.”
“These partnerships to provide Naloxone to communities throughout the state will help save lives,” said Diana Mikula, Executive Director of the Department of Mental Health.  “Even with this medication, it is important to remember that this is no substitute for treatment.  If you or someone else needs help, we urge you to reach out.  There are people throughout the state who want to help you get on the road to recovery.” 
Naloxone is a medication that can block or reverse the effects of opioids, particularly in an overdose situation. While there are no adverse effects to administering naloxone to someone in distress, it is important to note that its use is not a substitute for emergency medical care, which should be administered as soon as possible after a suspected overdose or use of naloxone. While naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose, its effects are limited and an overdose situation can still occur when the medication’s effects wear off after approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
“In Mississippi, about one out of every 10 people misuses prescription drugs in some way,” said Michael Jordan, Director DMH Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Services and State Opioid Treatment Authority. “The abuse of prescription drugs has led to a surge in opioid and heroin addiction, and this is an issue that is costing people their lives.”
House Bill 996, passed in Mississippi’s 2017 legislative session, permits the use of standing orders for naloxone at pharmacies across the state.  These standing orders allow any individual to request to purchase naloxone at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription.  Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger pharmacies have enacted standing orders for naloxone. The medication is sold under several brand names, most notably NARCAN®, which is the brand distributed by DMH to DPS.
“This is a life-saving medication that most states supply to their law enforcement officers,” Public Safety Commissioner Marshall Fisher said. “This is another tool we will use as we battle the opioid epidemic plaguing our state and nation.”
For more information please contact Mississippi State Targeted Opioid Project at 601-398-4406.

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Courtesy of Warren Strain, Communication Director for Mississippi Department of Public Safety