Access to a life-saving medication which reverses opioid overdoses will be expanded.
Last week the state government announced Victoria’s Take-Home Naloxone Program will be expanded to all Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) sites across the state.
Since it began in December 2023, the program has provided more than 12,000 units of naloxone to the community – with the expansion increasing access in areas experiencing high drug harms.
Nearly 400 Victorians die from opioid overdoses each year, and the expansion of the program will give more Victorians the chance to reverse an opioid overdose and prevent friends and families from experiencing the tragedy of losing a loved one.
Under the Take-Home Naloxone Program, naloxone is currently available at 50 Victorian NSP providers, including Health Works in Footscray.
The drug is also available at the Medically Supervised Injecting Room, over the counter at pharmacies or via prescription from a medical or nurse practitioner.
Considered a safe and effective medication that is easy to administer, naloxone can save lives when used in a timely manner for an opioid overdose.
“Every overdose is a tragedy – by making the life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone more accessible, it will help save lives and avoid unnecessary heartbreak,” said Acting Mental Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas in announcing the program expansion.
“When it comes to addressing drug harms, we take a harm minimisation approach – and our Statewide Action Plan will change and save lives.”
More information can be found at: health.vic.gov.au/victorias-take-home-naloxone-program.
