Registry Gives Access To Drug That Reverses Heroin Effects

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Department of Health has created an online registry of places that dispense a drug that can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose.

The Overdose Prevention Therapy-Indiana, or optIN, registry allows nonprofits, pharmacies, local health departments, addiction treatment facilities, correctional facilities and other entities to register as providers of naloxone. That's a non-narcotic medication that reverses life-threatening respiratory failure that is usually the cause of overdose deaths.

Entities must obtain a prescription, or standing order, from a physician allowing them to distribute naloxone, provide training in the use of naloxone, instruct those who administer it to call 911 and provide a list of options for substance abuse treatment. Registered entities will also report the number of doses distributed.

The registry can be accessed at https://optin.in.gov/.