British Columbia is investing $50 million to enhance access to life-saving nasal naloxone kits in response to the ongoing overdose crisis. Health Minister Josie Osborne announced the expansion, highlighting the significance of addressing the crisis that began a decade ago. The funding will enable the distribution of nasal naloxone, which will account for half of the more than 400,000 kits provided annually.
According to Osborne’s ministry, the availability of injectable take-home naloxone kits has already prevented nearly 40,000 deaths since 2019. The new funding will see an additional distribution of nasal naloxone kits to 150 community locations initially, followed by inclusion in all 2,400 take-home naloxone sites starting in April.
Chloe Goodison, the executive director of the NaloxHome Society, emphasized the importance of these additional nasal kits in saving lives. She noted that drug poisoning is the leading cause of death for British Columbians aged 10 to 59. Nasal naloxone provides a user-friendly tool that individuals, particularly youths, can carry with ease and use confidently during emergencies.