Austin City Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly brought forward a resolution to prioritize funding and resources to purchase Naloxone, also referred to as “Narcan,” and distribute the overdose reversal kits while provide training on its use.
During today’s Austin City Council meeting, the resolution, Item #43, on the agenda passed unanimously.
With this resolution, Kelly aims to ensure that Austin Travis Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or other appropriate departments have consistent and reliable funding for acquiring opioid overdose reversal medication for staff to use to assist persons in the community at risk of an opioid-related drug overdose and to distribute and train community partners and local business owners in the areas where opioid use is the highest on the use and administration of Narcan.
“With the opioid epidemic affecting many parts of the country, including Austin, Narcan has become an increasingly important tool for first responders to save lives. Narcan can even be administered by members of the public who have been trained to use it correctly and when they have access to it. By quickly reversing the effects of an overdose, Narcan can prevent fatalities and give individuals a second chance at recovery and life,” said Councilwoman Kelly.
The use of Narcan has been shown to save lives, with studies indicating that it can reduce opioid overdose deaths by up to 50%. The medication works by reversing the effects of opioids, allowing individuals who have overdosed to regain consciousness and breathe normally.
The City Manager is directed to return to the Public Safety Committee with an update regarding Naloxone funding and resources no later than July 28th, 2023. | 
