U.S. Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (R-Garden City) was joined by David Trone (D-Maryland) in introducing the Veterans Naloxone Access Expansion Act that would expand access to naloxone for veterans and their caregivers. The bill is being co-sponsored by Nick LaLota (R-Rocky Point), Mike Lawler (R-Pearl River) and Nick Langworthy (R-Jamestown).
The Veterans Naloxone Access Expansion Act would remove restrictive requirements for acquiring naloxone, initiating a two-year pilot program allowing veterans and their caregivers the freedom to receive naloxone without a prescription or fee. Upon receiving naloxone, the VA will provide veterans and their caregivers invaluable information on addiction services, suicide prevention, mental health resources, and the use and application of naloxone. To understand the program’s impact and future considerations, the Secretary of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs will conduct a report to Congress, detailing the number of participants, the feasibility of extending this access to immediate family members and non-department providers, the potential effects of a consultation requirement by a VA medical provider and addressing any budgetary needs.
While the current programs in place for providing naloxone have been effective in saving lives, the prescription requirement for veterans can dissuade them from utilizing care due to the stigma associated with substance use disorder and the process itself of acquiring the prescription. Furthermore, allowing caregivers of disabled veterans the ability to get naloxone without the prescription requirement and for free will help save lives.
“America’s opioid crisis is affecting all Americans, especially the tens of thousands of veterans who’ve died from opioid-related overdoses. Having already sacrificed so much for our freedoms, we owe it to our veterans to expand access to life-saving treatments, not restrict access with bureaucratic red tape. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to do exactly that, to provide veterans and their caregivers the lifesaving drug naloxone,” D’Esposito said.
“Naloxone has been proven highly effective at combating substance use disorder, saving countless lives,” Lawler said. “With so many of our nation’s veterans reeling from physical and psychological injuries incurred during their service, ensuring they have access to the help they need is mission critical. That’s why I’m proud to join Representatives D’Esposito and Trone in introducing the bipartisan Veterans Naloxone Access Expansion Act. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties to get this important legislation passed.”
“Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that has already prevented thousands of veterans from dying of an opioid overdose. On behalf of The American Legion and our 1.6 million dues-paying members, I am pleased to support the Veterans Naloxone Access Expansion Act. This legislation will create a pilot program removing burdensome requirements to access this lifesaving medication through the VA, saving veterans’ lives. We are proud to have worked closely with Rep. D’Esposito and his staff in writing this bill, and commend their dedication to veterans’ health and welfare,” said American Legion’s National Commander, James A. LaCoursiere.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.