6 Pennsylvania Airports Getting Naloxone Kits To Stop Overdoses

PENNSYLVANIA — Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday announced six airports in the state will be getting free naloxone in an ongoing effort to combat opioid overdoses in Pennsylvania.

Wolf said the Philadelphia International, Pittsburgh International, Williamsport Regional, Wilkes-Barre Scranton International, University Park, and Lancaster airports will be getting the naloxone.

The naloxone will be stored with airport AED machines and first aid kits with the suggestion that all airport personnel are trained to both carry and administer the medication.

Many airports already have their own public safety teams with police, fire and EMS, so this distribution will be available to those teams if needed as well.

"A key component to decreasing the number of overdose deaths in Pennsylvania is widely distributing naloxone in communities and public venues," said DDAP Secretary Smith. "When dealing with an epidemic like the opioid crisis, life-saving medication should be a part of every first aid kit and readily available. We encourage everyone – business owners, members of the general public, loved ones affected by substance use disorder, and individuals suffering from the disease - to equip themselves to respond in an emergency."

"Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose," Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. "Since 2018, we have provided free naloxone kits to more than 14,000 Pennsylvanians- that means 14,000 lives can be potentially saved. We know that Pennsylvanians are dedicated to helping to save lives of not only their loved ones, but also anyone who has overdosed."

Data shows that in 2018, more than 4,400 people died from a drug overdose. This represents a nearly 18 percent decrease in drug overdose deaths from 2017.