Sen. Ossoff Strengthening Resources to Fight Opioid Epidemic

Atlanta, Ga. - U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is strengthening the fight against the opioid epidemic across Georgia.

Bringing Republicans and Democrats together, Sen. Ossoff is delivering Federal funding to expand the supply of naloxone (narcan), a drug used to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses.

Sen. Ossoff is delivering funding to the Georgia Council for Recovery, a nonprofit that provides recovery support services and works to prevent opioid overdoses. With the funding, Georgia Council for Recovery and its partner, Georgia Overdose Prevention, plans to install more Naloxone Distribution Boxes (NDBs) across Georgia, which are boxes, receptacles, and vending machines community members can access to obtain naloxone.

Sen. Ossoff is delivering $357,000 for the project through bipartisan government funding legislation that became law on February 3.

"Like so many Georgians, I've lost friends to the opioid epidemic. These resources, which I've secured with bipartisan support, will help save lives and address the opioid crisis," Sen. Ossoff said.

"After losing my son Zack to an opiate overdose in 2011, I worked to pass Georgia's 'Don't Run - Call 911' law so people wouldn't be afraid to call for help during an overdose. Since 2014, we have been distributing naloxone to people at risk and their families. This funding will increase access and save many lives across Georgia," said Robin Williamson Elliott, Co-founder Georgia Overdose Prevention.

Georgians who have a friend or family member at risk of overdose can visit an access point on the Georgia Naloxone Map or request supplies be mailed to them at GeorgiaOverdosePrevention.org.

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